Shannon Airport CEO says State should reduce reliance on Dublin

Mary Considine: 'We urge the new government to develop a new national aviation policy prioritising sustainable growth across all State airports'

The airport saw a rise of 7% in passenger numbers for 2024. Picture: Denis Scannell 

Shannon Airport’s CEO said the National Aviation policy must be updated to prioritise regional growth and utilise capacity in airports outside Dublin.

Mary Considine said the State should reduce its reliance on Dublin Airport where passenger numbers are capped.

She was speaking on the publication of the airport’s 2024 results which saw a 7% rise in passenger numbers to 2.1m. It was the airport’s highest passenger number since 2009 driven by a strong performance across its 33 routes and Delta’s return to New York JFK.

Ms Considine said: “2024 has been marked by significant milestones, new partnerships, and continued excellence in customer service and I am proud of our group’s achievements.”

“Aviation is crucial for Ireland’s economic future, creating high-quality jobs and enabling global trade, investment, and tourism. 

"Shannon Airport’s strong performance in 2024 highlights its potential to further stimulate the national economy.

“We urge the new government to urgently develop a new national aviation policy prioritising sustainable growth across all State airports, by fully utilising capacity in the regions, reducing reliance on Dublin Airport and ensuring Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion in the regional airports programme to support national growth.”

The group said it is investing €30m in the Shannon Airport Business Park, which it owns and manages.

This includes two new research and development engineering/manufacturing units totalling 103,000 sq ft.

Plans are also under way for the development of a new 40,000sq ft research and development unit expected to commence in late 2025.

Work has commenced on a 1.2-megawatt solar PV farm, the first PV farm to be developed on an airfield in Ireland.

This project will be completed by summer 2025 and will deliver between 15-20% of the airport’s electricity requirement.

“We are more than just an airport; we are a catalyst for tourism, trade, and economic growth,” Ms Considine said. “Our group’s economic impact generates almost €4bn for the national economy, supports over 20,000 jobs, underscoring our crucial role in driving economic development.”