Kenny in Shannon to discuss Aer Lingus pull out

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny will today travel to Co Clare to meet business and tourism chiefs angered by the Aer Lingus decision to axe its Shannon Heathrow service.

Almost four weeks after the airline announced its controversial plans, Mr Kenny will hear first hand what impact the carrier’s decision will have on the region.

The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance, Shannon Action Group and Shannon Airport Authority will be among the parties raising concerns.

The party leader – on his first official business since the summer recess - will also meet Fine Gael Oireachtas members in the region before holding a press conference.

A party spokesman said Mr Kenny will use the event to reiterate Fine Gael’s consistent support for Shannon Airport and to set out the party’s response to the Aer Lingus announcement.

Yesterday, the mayors and managers of 11 cities and counties along the Western Seaboard demanded that secure permanent and quality connectivity between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow be reinstated.

The group agreed to use whatever mechanisms are available to secure a reversal of the Aer Lingus decision.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein has agreed to write to the leaders of all opposition parties in a bid to form a political alliance against the withdrawal of the route.

“We had a positive and constructive meeting with Shannon Action Group at which we agreed to make contact with the leaders of all the opposition parties in a bid to form a political alliance against the withdrawal of the Shannon to Heathrow route,” said party chair and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald.