EX-PRESIDENT of the University of Limerick Dr Ed Walsh yesterday warned of a disaster for industry on the western seaboard if Aer Lingus proceeds with its controversial proposal to end the Shannon-Heathrow route.

The fight to retain the Shannon-Heathrow link will be taken to the EU and through the courts if necessary.

Two major multi-million euro tourism investment packages in the south-west of Ireland have been put on hold since Aer Lingus announced its scrapping of the Shannon Heathrow service.

Jeers and heckles directed at Aer Lingus boss Dermot Mannion as he briefed staff on the planned closure of the Shannon-Heathrow route failed to dent the airline's share vaule today as prices climbed 4c at €2.45.