EU permits State aid for Shannon to help start up new routes

THE Government can give State funds to Shannon to help start up new routes from the airport, according to the European Commission.

While the EU generally rules out State aid for commercial enterprises, the case of Shannon is different, Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot told Fine Gael MEP Colm Burke.

Taxpayers’ money can be used for up to three years to help establish new routes from regional airports such as Shannon, he said.