Shannon

FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan acknowledged he was largely preaching to the converted when he addressed Shannon Chamber members at a breakfast meeting on Monday, but he urged all there to use the influence they have to help the referendum pass.

ST Senan’s National School in Shannon has achieved an active flag, recognising major efforts to promote physical activity among its pupils.

A SPECIAL anniversary mass will be celebrated in Ss John and Paul Church on Saturday at 3pm to celebrate 40 years of the Order of Malta in Shannon.

THE 38-year career of Jim O’Sullivan at Shannon Town Centre is being recognised with a function at Shannon Knights on this Thursday evening.

SHANNON Chamber has urged all local businesses to throw their weight behind securing a ‘yes’ vote in the European Fiscal Treaty Referendum, with President Damian Gleeson saying nowhere in the country needs a ‘yes’ vote more.Mr Gleeson claimed passing the treaty would pave the way to more fiscal and economic stability for both Ireland and Europe.He made the call when announcing that Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, will address a special Shannon chamber breakfast briefing on the Treaty at the Radisson Hotel on Monday, May 21 at 8am.The Chamber president claimed a ‘yes’ vote will lead to greater business confidence and investment and a strengthening of Ireland’s position in Europe.“We must make it clear that we are very much open for business and are fully committed to stable economic and fiscal management of our economy in the year ahead. There is nowhere in Ireland that urgently needs this positive message more than Shannon at the present time.“Continued inward investment and …

SHANNON Town Council will bid to host the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland annual conference in 2013.A decision to do so was made at their May meeting, despite some concerns about funding.The members also discussed the matter at an earlier meeting and at that stage, it was decided some more information on sources of funding was required. Addressing the May meeting, town clerk Liam O’Connor said he had spoken to the county council’s head of finance who said that any request for funding would be part of the 2013 budgetary process and that no provision had been made for it in the 2012 tourism budget.Councillor Gerry Flynn proposed that no bid for the conference be made. “In view of the limited funding available, there is a duty on us to protect the finances,” he claimed. He was supported by Councillor Cathy McCafferty, who said she didn’t think it was acceptable in the circumstances.However, Councillor Patricia McCarthy proposed the town …

OVER €4.6 million has been spent on the affordable housing development adjacent to Cluain Airne, this week’s meeting of Shannon Town Council heard, while frustration about the developer going out of business was expressed.Work at the site has been stalled since Easter, while it is estimated around three weeks more work is required to complete the development.Councillor Cathy McCafferty put forward a motion seeking details of spending on the development. In a written reply from town manager Bernadette Kinsella she stated total spending to date was €4,602,417.56, while a site subsidy of €653,982 and a grant for the six step down units of €752,952 had been received by the county council.The independent councillor also questioned the pricing of the houses asking whether it is fair, reasonable and accurate to describe the units for sale at Glaise na Rinne as affordable homes.In her written reply, Ms Kinsella stated, “The houses are currently being marketed by Mr Liam Browne, Paddy Browne and …

THE Taoiseach Enda Kenny was in Shannon for the official launch of Transaero Engineering, following the acquisition by Transaero Airlines of the former Air Atlanta Aero Engineering facility, a move that is set to create over 100 jobs in the coming year.Transaero Engineering Ireland performs maintenance services on Boeing 737, 757 and 767 aircraft for passenger, cargo, corporate airlines and aircraft leasing companies from around the world at its modern facility.While the company already employs 241 staff, the number will grow through the addition of line/project maintenance on Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft and increased aircraft interior, training and engineering capability. The company has just released details of its annual aircraft recruitment campaign.Mr Kenny welcomed the Transaero takeover. “I am delighted that a significant global airline such as Transaero has chosen Shannon as a location for its maintenance facility. It is a major vote of confidence in the workforce of Transaero Engineering Ireland, the Shannon region and in the continuing …