Shannon eyes Prodi to back €5bn airport plan

SHANNON Development is hoping to secure the backing of European Commission President Romano Prodi today for its ambitious plan to develop Shannon Airport as the €5 billion air cargo capital of Europe.

Mr Prodi will be touring the Shannon region with European Parliament President Pat Cox, where he will be given an aerial view of the €250 million Limerick Riverside City project.

Mr Prodi will be conferred with an honorary doctorate at a special ceremony in the University of Limerick in the afternoon.

Mr Cox, who grew up in Limerick, was instrumental in getting the European Commission president to visit the Shannon region.

Shannon Development has an ambitious plan to develop the airport as the European cargo capital that will secure exports of €5 billion for the region.

Mr Prodi and Mr Cox will be briefed by Shannon Development on their plans to develop the airport as a major worldwide distributor of goods and service that will create 15,000 direct local jobs.

Shannon Development chairman Liam McElligott said: "We will be seeking pan-European support for the project because it will have a major significance for the region and Europe." Mr McElligott said there were mechanisms within the EU funding structure to provide finance for the project.

Chief executive Kevin Thompstone said they were delighted to get a chance to highlight their vision for the region's future development.

Mr Cox said the Shannon region was one of the most vibrant in Europe and poised to become the a leading centre for worldwide agile logistics.

"It is an opportune moment to showcase the region to the European Commission president and maximise the potential of Shannon international airport," Mr Cox said.

As Freeman of Limerick, Mr Cox said he was proud to bring the European Commission president to the region.

Both presidents will be guests of honour at a civic reception at Limerick City Hall hosted by the mayor, Cllr Dick Sadlier. And Mr Prodi will be briefed on the major economic achievements and exciting future plans for the region.

In the afternoon, Mr Prodi will attend a tree planting ceremony at the LEDP Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership facility to mark the development of the Limerick City South Project, a plan to develop a €100m town and commercial centre.