Shannon independence - Free to fight for a future

Shannon Airport has made losses since 2008 and passenger numbers have fallen by 60% over the past five years.

The situation had become untenable and, as Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said yesterday, doing nothing was not an option.

Shannon will be granted independence from Dublin Airport Authority and merged with a restructured Shannon Development next year to form a publicly owned commercial entity.

Whether this move, and an emphasis on developing a centre for aircraft maintenance and the 850 longed-for jobs that enterprise might bring, is enough to secure a future as an international airport remains to be seen. The facility is vital to the region and the best way to ensure its survival is to support it.