Mid-west business chiefs demand Aer Lingus EGM

Mid-West business and tourism leaders tonight formally called on the Minister for Transport to ask the Government to call an EGM of the Aer Lingus board to discuss the axing of Heathrow slots at Shannon Airport.

A 12-member Atlantic Connectivity Alliance delegation had a 90 minute “frank and open” meeting with Noel Dempsey and five officials at his department’s offices.

ACA chairman John Brassil said afterwards that Mr Dempsey was handed a formal letter backing Ryanair’s earlier demands for an EGM.

“We had a very frank exchange of views and Mr Dempsey now has a full and complete understanding of the seriousness of the issue,” Mr Brassil said.

“We have formally requested of Minister Dempsey to call an EGM on behalf of the Government as set out in the Aer Lingus prospectus.

“He is going to consider our request and all the other issues that we discussed at the meeting.

“The only undertaking he gave us is that he now has a full understanding of the issue and he will brief his Cabinet colleagues.”

The ACA delegation said it was satisfied with the minister’s willingness to find a solution.

A number of Mid-West business leaders, including Element Six general manager Ken O’Sullivan gave individual testimonies to the minister on how the loss of the Heathrow flights would affect jobs and investment.

ACA delegation member Michael Houlihan: “Our solution is to have Aer Lingus revert to the status quo.”

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patricia McCarthy said all local political representatives have expressed similar concerns to those of ACA.

“People on the ground are extremely angry and afraid of the future,” she added.

Earlier, Mr Dempsey briefed the Cabinet on the latest developments in the issue. A Government spokesman said the Government was continuing contacts with other airlines with a view to open up alternative routes to London from Shannon.

Meanwhile a meeting between senior management at Aer Lingus and pilots’ representatives will resume on Friday.

Aer Lingus said the company would not release the terms and conditions for the proposed employment of pilots at its new Belfast hub.

The former state carrier could face a renewed threat of industrial action if talks between both sides break down.