Ryanair announcement welcomed by Clare County Council

CONNOLLY, Ireland - Oct. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Clare County Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Ryanair of its plans to increase the number of services it provides to and from Shannon International Airport.

Ryanair says that from April 2014 it will begin operating from Shannon to Berlin, Faro, Fuerteventura, Krakow, Munich, Nice, Paris and Warsaw, delivering an additional 300,000 passengers per annum to the airport.

Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins said the announcement of 8 new routes and the airline’s decision to increase its Shannon passenger numbers by 300,000 per annum puts the newly independent airport on a “much firmer footing” regarding its future prospects for growth.

The Mayor commented: “Today marks 68 years to the day since the first scheduled commercial flight, an American Overseas Airlines DC-4, landed at Shannon Airport.   Shannon has seen some periods of growth and some bad days in the period since but I firmly believe that the airport is now on a much firmer footing than it has been in the past.

He continued: “Only a year ago, I remember walking through an empty terminal building which today is buzzing with passengers. The turnaround over the past 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable and I wish to acknowledge airport management and the board for their excellent work in securing new business.”

Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan welcomed today’s announcement by Ryanair, adding: “A thriving Shannon Airport is good for the local economy and as a result today’s announcement is a significant moment for the entire West of Ireland Region.”

He explained: “The future growth of Shannon Airport always has been dependant on the provision of services to destinations throughout the UK and Europe, particularly those locations that provide quality onward connectivity. The routes announced by Ryanair open up a number of new markets for Irish holidaymakers and the local business sector but more importantly, will contribute to the already growing number of Continental tourists holidaying in the West of Ireland.”

-ENDS-

This press release was issued by Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 / media@dunphypr.com