Loss of route will cause difficulties for students, says UL head

AS THE Cabinet meets for the first time after the summer break today with Shannon high on its agenda, a leading academic has added his voice to the growing concern at the loss of the Aer Lingus Shannon/Heathrow service.

Speaking at a conferring ceremony at the University of Limerick, college president Professor Don Barry warned at the impact of a reduction of Shannon Airport’s international connectivity and the potential negative impact this could have on the development of the Shannon and western regions. Prof Barry was addressing 306 graduates from the college of education.

Prof Barry praised local and regional individuals, agencies and organisations who have launched a campaign to seek the maintenance of the crucial transport link between Shannon and international airline hubs.

Prof Barry said: “For the university itself there are significant implications to this decision. UL attracts more than 1,200 international students from 70 countries each year, many of whom transit through Heathrow airport on flights from Asia and the US.

“The ending of this air connection will cause cost and logistical difficulties for these students.

“Additionally, UL has vital research, academic and business links with partners all over the world.”

Prof Barry said the removal of connectivity of any kind from the Shannon region will hamper existing businesses and constrain the region’s capacity to attract future investment.

“Conducting business in a regional location is always challenging. We must strive to achieve balanced development across the country and reduced air connectivity to key transportation hubs will only damage efforts to enhance all regions in Ireland,” he added.

This week 2,351 graduates will be awarded degrees from UL.

Fianna Fáil councillors from the west and mid-west plan to picket Government Buildings to coincide with today’s meeting of the Cabinet.