Group to promote future of Shannon

AN unprecedented alliance of major industries along the western seaboard yesterday adopted a united stance in support of a new strategy to secure the future of Shannon Airport.

Executives from 10 of the leading industry associations on the west coast, employing in excess of 40,000 workers and generating in excess of 20% of Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are involved.

They believe Shannon airport needs to be an independent entity accountable to the Transport Minister and all stakeholders in the region to secure its future and the development of the Western region.

The group emphasised, the West coast is heavily dependent on the airport for access to the US and European cities to sustain and promote the development of indigenous and multi-national firms as well as the tourism-related business.

“Shannon airport needs to optimise its catchment area through expediting the completion of infrastructure deficits in the region such as the early completion of the Ennis by-pass and the upgrading of the road network between Galway and Shannon and the completion of Limerick’s four river cross.”

The alliance also agreed the Shannon gateway policy needed to be supported by an agreed development and marketing plan.

“We expect to be consulted on any recommendations for change on the existing gateway policy and suggest that any recommendations for change should undergo an independent impact analysis and be incorporated into an agreed plan for the region.”

Managing director of US multinational Avocent Kieran MacSweeney, who represents the American Chamber of Commerce Mid-West region and the Atlantic Technology Corridor said: “The business communities within the Galway, Ennis, Shannon and Limerick region are now speaking with one voice in relation to the future of the airport.

"They understand their dependencies on the airport better than anyone else and have unanimously agreed their priorities. Their requirements cannot be ignored.”