Shannon suffered worst decline of any European airport in 2010

A GROUP of airline, tourism and economics experts will come together next month to debate the future of Shannon Airport which suffered the worst decline in passenger figures of any European airport in 2010.

While the country’s three main airports sustained some of the biggest falls in passenger figures in Europe last year, according to a continent-wide survey, Shannon had the worst decline. In the 300-airport audit, Shannon’s figures dipped 37.2% in 2010 compared with 2009.

In an effort to combat any further decline in business, Shannon Chamber of Commerce has organised an event for March 2 in Bunratty where the serious issue of encouraging business into the mid-west airport will be discussed and debated by a panel of experts.

According to the Chamber: “Shannon Airport’s importance to the region has been discussed in many quarters over the past few months by singular voices.

“In an attempt to encourage cohesive discussion and debate, Shannon Chamber has invited a team of experts to present their cases for the necessity of an international airport in the region.”

They will address Shannon Chamber members and non-members at a Spring Lunch in Bunratty Castle Hotel. The event is being sponsored by DB Schenker.

The panel of speakers includes Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) chairman David Dilger, Aer Arann chief executive Paul Schultz; David Hogan, planning and research manager, Shannon Development; Sean Denvir, regional manager Mid-West Region, IDA; Adrian Furey, general manager, Zimmer Orthopedics and Gordan Daly, senior planner, Clare County Council.

Shannon Chamber chief Helen Downes said: “Shannon International Airport continues to be a key piece of infrastructure on the West Coast of Ireland. The airport supports balanced regional development and is a vital resource to existing businesses and the tourism industry. This event is aimed at providing the business and tourism sectors with an update on the airport’s current standing and its importance to generating economic activity in the area. We understand the airport is vital to many organisations in the region and we will offer as many attendees as possible the opportunity to ask questions at the event.”