Mayor seeks support for West of Ireland’s ‘transatlantic airport’

CONNOLLY, Ireland - June 10, 2013 - PRLog -- The Mayor of Clare today issued an appeal to the business community and fellow Local Authority Mayors in the West of Ireland to support Shannon Airport’s position as the Region’s ‘transatlantic airport’.

Cllr. Pat Daly, whose tenure as Mayor ends next week, told Council members at Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis today “the onus is on the people of Clare and beyond to support the airport and ensure its growth into the future”.

Mayor Daly confirmed he will be writing to the Mayors of the Local Authorities in the West of Ireland urging them to actively support and promote Shannon Airport as the Region’s transatlantic airport.

He also issued an appeal to businesses in County Clare and surrounding areas, particularly those which engage in business outside Ireland and those in the tourism sector, to include a direct link or reference to the Shannon Airport website from their websites, email accounts and letterheads.

Mayor Daly said: “The separation of Shannon Airport from the DAA has provided added impetus in relation to efforts to source new business. While attending the launch of United Airline’s summer service between Shannon and Chicago last Friday, I noticed a distinct change in atmosphere at the airport which can only be attributed to an operation that has a restored sense of confidence and purpose. This is particularly reflected in the development of new services at the airport in recent months, as well as the appointment of a new CEO and an experienced Board of Directors.

He continued: “While I believe that transatlantic services from Shannon have always been well supported by the people of the West of Ireland, I think that every effort must be made to continue to promote existing transatlantic routes. The people of this region can play their part in securing the future of the airport by considering the services that it provides when planning a trip abroad. This is particularly the case for businesses that conduct West of Ireland-based firms that operate in the United States. Quality transatlantic connectivity is critical for multinationals operating in Ireland and for key decision makers seeking possible locations for investment. Quality connectivity is also the lifeblood of tourism and it is imperative that we target transatlantic tourism to arrive into the West of Ireland via Shannon.”

Mayor Daly concluded by reminding Elected Members of Clare County Council that the future growth of Shannon Airport will require a continuation of the collaborative and proactive approach being adopted by the Shannon Airport Authority, Local Authorities, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and the tourism and business sectors to promoting the facility and the services it provides.