‘Power to the regions’ plan pays off for Shannon

Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

Shannon Development chief executive Kevin Thompstone said the speed with which the newly established Shannon Airport Authority has expanded routes at the airport showed what can be achieved when decisions are taken locally.

Mr Thompstone said that given appropriate empowerment, the regions can play a major role in delivering national economic policies.

He was speaking at the publication of Shannon Development’s end of year statement.

There are fears in the Mid-West that the government is considering down-grading the role of Shannon Development. At present the company has responsibility for tourism and the promotion of small industry in the Mid-West, along with the promotion of all industry within the Shannon Industrial zone.

Mr Thompstone said the opening of new routes by Ryanair and other new carriers at Shannon was precisely the type of initiative Shannon Development envisaged when the company called for Shannon to be run by an independent public body, based in the region.

He said the present uncertainty surrounding the future role of Shannon Development was having an affect.

Mr Thompstone added: “That is life and we are getting on with the job we have to do and will continue to focus s on that. We do not engage in initiatives because somebody in Dublin says so.

“We take action because our client base, the people in this region central to growing the economy tell us they want action on matters ranging from broadband to air access. That is our approach: listen and come up with strategies and action. As long as we do that we will be on strong ground.”

Liam McElligott, chairman of Shannon Development, said that conditions necessary for regional productivity and growth must be developed.

“Shannon Development is needed to galvanise, through leadership and action, all stakeholders (public and private) under a common vision and framework for action, which will drive the Mid West forward,” said Mr McElligott.