Minister grounds Shannon Heathrow hopes

HOPES that a Shannon-Heathrow service could be restored after the controversial axing of the route by Aer Lingus last month have received a big setback after the Government indicated this week that EU funding would not be available for a new operator.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has played down the possibility that EU funding for a new link could be provided to airlines willing to operate the route under a Public Service Obligation (PSO).

Under EU legislation, member states can impose a PSO on routes that are vital for the economic development of the region they serve.