Support for Shannon Airport from cross-party Oireachtas group
Shannon Airport has been at the centre of much controversy in recent times, thanks to allegations of flights carrying munitions landing there for refuelling, US troop carriers passing through and protestors targeting the facility, most recently this week.
Controversies aside, the airport and the economic benefits it generates are considered vital to the Mid West region.
Despite a very divided Dáil Éireann, that is a view shared by politicians from different parties that have now come together to form an ad hoc airport support group.
Chaired by Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group which had existed in the past, consists of 24 TDs and Senators from the Government parties, Sinn Féin, Labour and Independents.
The members are mostly based in counties Galway, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary.
"TDs and Senators have banded together to re-establish the cross-party Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group. The Group's aim is to advance the cause of Shannon Airport and advance policy areas that support and enhance Shannon Airport," Deputy Cathal Crowe said.
"Since its establishment the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group has already worked very well. We have good cross-party unity of purpose in terms of giving strong political support to Shannon.
"Dublin Airport enjoys approximately 85% market share of all flights in and out of this country and this dominant position isn't good in terms of balanced regional development.
"Hopefully the National Aviation Policy will soon be overhauled and this should present an opportunity for policies to be brought forward that will address that some of the current imbalances," he said.
The Group is now in existence for five weeks and has already met twice, once in Leinster House and once at the airport itself, where members held discussions with airport management.
"It's about pro-Shannon policy. We want Government funding from the Regional Airports Programme which is currently only available to airports with less than one million passengers. We want to get more flights to Shannon, and develop new commercial routes as well as support from the National transport Authority to develop a rail link to the airport," Deputy Crowe added.
Last year, Shannon Airport catered for 2.1million passengers, exceeding its target for the year.
The figure represents the highest number of passengers in 15 years, and 7% growth on 2023 numbers.
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