Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has said that the decision by the Government in relation to the future of Aer Lingus is good news for the Mid West. Patrick O’Donovan, who is the only Limerick member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee said that the decision provides certainty for the future of the airline and gives a guaranteed connection between Shannon and Heathrow which currently does not exist.
Patrick O’Donovan said that the current situation in relation to Aer Lingus provided no certainty for the Heathrow slots from Shannon and having seen what happened when the last Government sold 75% of the company, he said that he believed that the deal brokered by this Government provided far more certainty for the region as it allows Aer Lingus to grow with a well established global brand which will be able to build new routes and create new jobs in Ireland.
“It’s important to point out that since this Government came to office Shannon Airport has been transformed. Fianna Fáil can say what they want in relation to Shannon and Aer Lingus; but this Government took the decision to give Shannon it’s independence and while the Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has attacked this in the Dáil, it is clear that it was the right thing to do. We have seen upwards of 17% growth in Shannon because of the Government decision with routes to Philadelphia and Chicago being restored and routes to Boston and New York growing significantly in numbers. This is proof that the policy of this Government in relation to Shannon is working and I am glad to see that the management of Shannon Airport support the decision by the Government in relation to Aer Lingus.”
“As a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee we examined in detail the initial offer from IAG. I outlined the concerns I had as a TD from the Mid West and I am glad that our concerns were taken on board. In replying to my questioning at the Oireachtas hearings IAG chief, Willie Walsh, did indicate that they were prepared to look at the length of time that the Shannon and Cork slots would be guaranteed for, and I was happy to see that in place. We also listened to and met with industry representatives from across the region, and all agreed that there was a need for the airline to grow with a partner, while maintaining the Heathrow link. It is clear that Minister Paschal Donohoe has achieved this. ”
Patrick O’Donovan said he looked forward to the Dáil motion in relation to Aer Lingus, which he said he would be fully supporting. “Shannon Airport has turned the corner under this Government when it got its independence. I look forward to further growth there with the decision to form a new relationship between Aer Lingus and IAG, which I firmly believe will benefit the Mid West region.”