Government can act to save Shannon slot

THE news that businesses from Germany, France and Britain have been contacting companies in the Shannon catchment area in an effort to ‘poach’ industries should not surprise us.

These businesses, and the companies they target, are only too aware of the importance of the connectivity lost with the Heathrow-Shannon slots.

I arranged a meeting for the Shannon Action Group last week in Brussels with the European Commission official responsible for airport matters. The commission was able to clarify many things, in particular that, in the open EU market, Aer Lingus can do what it likes with its slots, as can Heathrow, the Government and everyone else.

However, we were told that if Shannon is awarded a public service obligation (PSO) designation, then it can resume its Heathrow slots.

A PSO is appropriate where an area can demonstrate that connectivity is an economic necessity for a region and that the loss of it will significantly disadvantage the area. The potential harm to the west and southwest will be easy to establish.

To get the PSO designation, the Government has to make the case to the EU Commission. As it is the commission that is advising us to seek a PSO, I would expect a favourable response from it to an application from Ireland.

Everyone concerned with the future of the west and southwest, especially the politicians from all parties who have expressed support, should insist the Taoiseach makes this PSO application without delay.

I believe the Government was aware of the appropriateness and efficacy of the PSO in saving connectivity to Shannon but said nothing about it. Instead, it had allowed those who care about Shannon to pursue strategies that it knew (and the commission confirmed) were legally impossible.

I suggest the Government also apply for PSO status for Cork. One never knows when Aer Lingus might decide to shift slots from Munster altogether.

Kathy Sinnott MEP

Ballinabearna

Ballinhassig

Co Cork