O’Sullivan urges Govt to retain Heathrow route

Limerick East Labour TD Jan O’Sullivan has proposed in the Dáil that the Government should apply for the retention of the Shannon-Heathrow route as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) under EU regulations.

“There is no doubt that the loss of the Shannon-Heathrow connectivity would put the Mid-West and the West at that level of loss and disadvantage. This has been well demonstrated by the detailed facts and figures supplied by members of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance as well as the Shannon Action Group. This application has to be made by the Government to the EU Commission and I am calling on them to make that application to protect the sustainability of the region,” said Deputy O’Sullivan.

The Labour Deputy went on to point out that Government representatives have clearly stated that the Aer Lingus decision contravenes their policy on Regional Development.

“They were reluctant to interfere with the Aer Lingus decision up to now because of their interpretation of Company Law.  However, the grounds for seeking a change now are very different, based on their obligations and rights as a Government rather than as a shareholder of the Company,” she said.

“I urge the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport to take this opportunity to save and protect jobs in the Mid-West and West before it is too late,” Deputy O’Sullivan said.