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Ellis gives cautious welcome to independence for Shannon Airport

Direct News Source

09-May-2012 Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has given what he called "cautious welcome" to news that Shannon Airport is to be set free from D.A.A. control and allowed to operate as an independent airport.

Deputy Ellis continued;

"This is certainly what local campaigners wanted to see happen and Shannon can now go forward and attempt to grow without being saddled with the €100 million debt that had hung over it under DAA control. I also welcome the fact that the airport remains in state control."

"All Stakeholders and public representatives from the region must work together to map out the role of the airport and how it plays into the strategic local infrastructure project aimed to redeveloping the economy of the mid West. I am hopeful that if this happens this move will be a help to the region.

This is by no means the end of Shannon Airport's or the Mid west region's difficulties but with hard work and planning this move could be a helpful move in the right direction."

Limerick City Councillor Maurice Quinlivn also said;"Limerick City and the Mid West in general have suffered disproportionately over the last few years and what is needed is investment in infrastructure and the creation and retention of jobs.

Shannon Airport has a crucial role to play in the creation of jobs in this area. We need to also understand the challenge we face as the government will expect that any loses at Shannon airport will be borne locally, we need Shannon to become viable again and we stand the risk of the losing the Airport and its facilities altogether should this not happen."