Shannon lobby has to be confronted

THE frantic outpourings from the Shannon region have intensified as they see an inevitable move towards an equitable, market-based policy which will finally get rid of the unfair protection for that airport at huge cost to the rest of the country.

The people of Cork and other parts of Ireland have been too quiet on this issue for too long. The trade union movement seems to be satisfied to continue supporting discrimination against Cork.

The Shannon lobbies have ensured that their self-interest prevails and that the state, directly and indirectly, funds them. They continue to bleat about the neglected west of Ireland, and they deny opportunities to other regions with airports such as Cork, Kerry and Knock.

How come net disposable income is higher in Limerick and Galway than in Cork? It is time to put a stop to the irresponsible actions of groups that have unashamedly wasted millions of taxpayers’ money on white elephants like the Kilrush marina and the Jeanie Johnson, to name but a few.

Abolish Shannon Free Airport Development Company (SFADCo).

The mid-west can be served by existing organisations such as the IDA and Tourism Ireland and still be on a par with the rest of the country. They are spoiled by protection. Well done to Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan, for taking them on. I wish other ministers would take a leaf out of his book.

Margaret O’Shea,

Castle Avenue,

Muskerry Estate,

Ballincollig,

Co Cork.