Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan, the only Limerick member of the Dáil Transport Committee, last week questioned IAG Chief Executive Office Willie Walsh on their proposal to buy Aer Lingus. Patrick O’Donovan asked Willie Walsh about the future of the Shannon-Heathrow routes and he referred to the importance of the slots to the Mid-West Region. Replying to Patrick O’Donovan’s questions, Willie Walsh gave a specific commitment and guarantee to Shannon and Cork which had not been given up to then.
Speaking after the meeting, Patrick O’Donovan said that the meeting was very worthwhile. “Willie Walsh has provided us with detail on his plans for Aer Lingus and how he believes it can fit into IAG. I was glad that when he answered me that he gave specific guarantees to Shannon and Cork, however I would like to see these guarantees for longer than what’s currently on the table.”
The Limerick TD also said that he believes further issues still remain to be clarified. He added that this was not a straightforward issue, because there are substantial parts of the airline in the hands of other owners including Ryanair.
“It is clear that under the current ownership structure there is no protection for Shannon. We know from when the first 75% of the airline was sold that Heathrow slots can be moved so of there are guarantees that can be given we need to examine them closely.”
Patrick O’Donovan said that he made groups from across the Mid West in the last number of weeks as part of his role on the Transport Committee. “The concerns are very clear. Shannon has just begun to turn the corner in the last few months after years of neglect. The decision by this Government to give Shannon independence after years of being ignored is working and we want it to improve further. This turnaround has helped tourism and business contacts and it is vital we maintain it and build on it. That’s why I feel time needs to be taken here so that all the options can be weighed up.”
It is expected that the Transport Committee will have further meetings with groups and individuals who have an opinion on the sale of Aer Lingus in the coming weeks.