Knock Airport chairman to step down

KNOCK AIRPORT’S chairman of six-and-a-half years Joe Kennedy is to retire.

He is being replaced by Liam Scollan, the former group managing director of the airport.

The decision was taken at a board meeting on January 19.

Mr Kennedy is to stay a board member for the foreseeable future as honorary president.

He joined the board in 2002 and was elected chairman that year.

Des Mahon, Mayo county manager and a member of the airport’s board, said: “In accepting Joe’s decision to retire as chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock, the board is deeply indebted to him for the many years of great leadership and his total commitment to developing and expanding the Airport.”

The board was pleased Mr Scollan accepted the post of chairman.

“We look forward to continuing to wholeheartedly support and work with him to improve access to the west and north-west and to achieve the objectives of the airport so it remains a vehicle for regional development,” said Mr Mahon.

Mr Kennedy said: “I am truly delighted to have been of service to the people of the west of Ireland and I thank my fellow board members, management and staff at the airport, as well as the public at large, for the steadfast support which they have given me over the years. I am overwhelmed and honoured by the board’s continued support of me and their appointment of me as honorary president.

“I am very, very, pleased that Liam Scollan will succeed me as the new chairman to the board. His heart is in the right place and his expertise and commitment to growing the airport and working with all the stakeholders involved, I am sure, will continue well into the future.”

Martina Burns, secretary of the board, is also to retire from the position. Olivia Martin has been appointed company secretary.