Study into loss of air deal urged

AN independent economic impact study on how the loss of the bilateral air agreement between Ireland and the US would affect the region serviced by Shannon airport should be completed, says a councillor.

Calling for the study, Cllr Kieran O’Donnell, a member of Limerick County Council, said the importance to Shannon of the US flights cannot be overstated as they account for 32% of its traffic mix, whereas this business represents just 5% of Dublin’s traffic mix.

“Furthermore, US industrialists in the mid-west want to be no more than one hour commuting time from an international airport. If the Shannon transatlantic gateway suffers a reduction in flights, US industry may be forced to relocate elsewhere to maintain flexibility with transatlantic flights arrangements,” he said.