Shannon stopover to be discussed in US Congress

A bill that could affect the future of Shannon Airport is due to be introduced in the US Congress today.

The bill calls for an assessment of the economic impact that the abolition of the Shannon stopover could have on US companies based in the area.

Around 140 US companies currently employ 40,000 people in the Limerick-Clare region.

The bill was tabled by New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who visited Ireland last week and was given a detailed briefing about the significance of Shannon Airport by independent MEP Rosemary ‘Dana’ Scallon.

Irish and US officials are currently in negotiations about the bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries.

The Irish officials want Aer Lingus to be given access to more US destinations, while the US officials want to end the compulsory Shannon stopover, a stipulation that requires certain flights from Dublin to the US to also stop off in Shannon.

Politicians and business interests in the Shannon region have expressed concern that the abolition of the stopover could severely damage the airport’s business and threaten its future viability.

Congressman Smith wants the US to assess the economic impact of ending the stopover before taking any action to support or oppose the discontinuation of the policy.