Labour TD seeks clarity on plan

Limerick East Labour Deputy, Jan O'Sullivan, has called on the Government to immediately clarify whether or not it will provide the necessary funding required under the Tourism and Economic plan launched in Shannon Airport by Minister Cullen over two years ago.

"With the imminent arrival of the US-EU open skies agreement this year which removes the compulsory stop over in Shannon, the Tourism and Economic plan provided for the promotion of the Shannon region in particular to the North American market over a five year period at a cost of €50 million," she said.

Deputy O'Sullivan said that the Government has "made little or no attempt, despite the crocodile tears and bouts of anguish by local Fianna Fáil TDs to retain the critical air links between Shannon and Heathrow which contributed to the success of the region for 60 years".

She pointed out that when her party put a motion before Dáil Eireann calling for the retention of these flights local Government TDs voted against supporting the motion.

"I am now calling on this FF led Government to immediately clarify what level of funding and support they will provide so that the relevant local organisations including Shannon Development can implement the key objectives of the tourism and economic plan."

She added that while the announcement of a new limited service between Shannon and Paris is positive, there is no doubt that the region is now "under severe pressure to maintain and increase our tourism numbers".

"Bord Failte and local tourism representatives have expressed grave concern for the tourism business throughout the region due to the loss of this vital connection".

"The least the Government can do to boost confidence and support the region is to publicly commit the necessary funding for the Tourism and Economic plan."

Ferris supports local politicians

Kerry North Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has voiced his support for Limerick colleagues as he reiterated his opposition to the closure of the Shannon Heathrow link and claimed that it will damage the economy in the South West.

Deputy Ferris was speaking prior to the final flight from the airport to London on Sunday afternoon. "The closure of the Heathrow link is very much to be regretted. As I said when this was announced, it is a consequence of privatisation and the abandonment by this Government of the reason why Aer Lingus established the link in the first instance," he said.