2009-11-09 13:33:39 - The Department for Transport is being urged to investigate the possibility of handing shared responsibility for the management of Shannon Airport to Shannon Development and the Shannon Airport Authority.

Mayor of Shannon Councillor Sean McLoughlin said the Dublin Airport Authority’s (DAA) continued management of the local airport was stifling the facility’s ability to expand and develop new opportunities for itself.

The Mayor stated: “Shannon Airport is fortunate to have such a good local management structure in place. However, the Shannon Airport Authority’s ability to enact change is prohibited by the Department of Transport’s continued delay in affording it full autonomy. The Shannon Airport Authority needs to be able to control its own resources, income sources and marketing strategies without having to contend with the overbearing influence of the Dublin Airport Authority’s ruling hand.”

Mayor McLoughlin added: “While full autonomy for Shannon Airport might not be feasible at the present time, as

the financial structures are not yet in place to support such a move, it would be feasible to suggest that management of the airport could be shared equally by Shannon Development and the Shannon Airport Authority. Shannon Development’s background in promoting tourism in and attracting new business top the region would complement the expertise that has been built up by the current management team at Shannon Airport.”

Mayor McLoughlin pointed to Shannon Development’s previous involvement in the management of Shannon Airport as an indication of the regional agency’s ability to contribute positively to the airport’s future development.

“Shannon has a new unique selling point as the only European airport with complete pre-clearance for customs and immigration for US entry. However, the airport’s ability to promote this fact is stifled by the DAA’s Dublin Airport-orientated market strategy. A Shannon Development-backed autonomous role for the Shannon Airport Authority would undoubtedly breathe new life into the County Clare Airport and deliver real potential for growth in the future”, concluded Mayor McLoughlin.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- Mayor McLoughlin (086-2473712) is available for interview/further comment
- For further information please call Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com