Shannon should learn to fly on its own

I WOULD like to clarify a few issues arising from Des Long’s letter headlined ‘Cork failed to match Shannon’s free zone’ (Irish Examiner letters, March 22).

Cork people never seriously objected to anything at Shannon until they became aware it was poaching Cork airport’s traffic by giving financial incentives to tour operators in the late 1970s. The awareness became very real when west Cork-bound tourists from Holland were bussed from Shannon, passing the gates of Cork airport en route.

This daft use of taxpayers’ money (via Shannon Free Airport Development Company) was a further example of how Shannon took everything that was going, regardless of the wider national interest.

Now we hear staff at Shannon, having rejected a record high redundancy offer, are getting an even better deal.

This is a kick in the teeth to Cork staff who have operated their airport efficiently, and with a commercial ethos, over the years. The Shannon deal will cost the country dearly in years ahead because the unions have raised the bar.

I believe Shannon has been of little or no benefit to Irish tourism. It is high time all concerned there stood on their own feet and it is a disgrace they are being rewarded again for inefficiency.

I hope the Cork airport authorities have the guts to stand up to the Government.

They should not hide behind so-called consultants and should unambiguously insist on delivery of former Transport Minister Seamus Brennan’s unsolicited promise.

It would be unthinkable that Cork might become the new Shannon dependent on State aid and becoming soft and flabby.

Joe McCarthy

17 Ardán Uí Riordán

Tramore Road

Cork