Minister in talks over boosting airport’s numbers

Transport Minister Martin Cullen met with the board of Shannon Airport today to discuss plans to bring more business to the travel hub.

Mr Cullen’s visit to the Co Clare airport came as the airport recorded an all-time high in passenger traffic – with over 2.5 million people passing through each year.

The airport’s traffic has received a massive boost in recent months with several new operators offering services including Ryanair’s new flights to destinations throughout Europe.

A spokesman for the Transport Department said the minister met with the board of the airport and workers to consider future options to encourage more operators to use the airport.

Mr Cullen has already met with the board of Cork Airport and is due to hold a meeting with the Dublin Airport board on Monday next.

A new frequent bus service will also begin at the West of Ireland airport in a bid to strengthen its connections to cities throughout the region.

“There is a need for integration that when people arrive into an airport they have transport options to get to their next destination,” the Department spokesman said.

The Bus Eireann expressway services will begin running for the first time with 20 hourly coach services each day from Galway and Ennis serving the airport. The airport will also get new bus services from Cork and Limerick.