Killeen confident Open Skies will not harm Shannon

The 'prophets of doom' who predicted the closure of Shannon Airport with the major change of

status in 1993/94 were proven wrong, as they will again in an Open Skies era according to Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare TD Tony Killeen.

Killeen, who was speaking following the signing of a draft agreement on Open Skies between the EU. And US. The Minister added that Shannon Airport would be well positioned to address the new challenges presented under Open Skies, which he indicated would happen sooner rather than later.

Minister Killeen stated: "When the cost base issues have been successfully addressed, Shannon will be well placed to take on all comers. The Government will support a package of measures to ensure that Shannon can compete in marketing terms on an equal footing with all others, not just in Ireland but also across Europe.

"Initiation of the customs pre-clearance facility will be a significant benefit in that regard and Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen has done some excellent work in ensuring its delivery."