TEN years ago today on September 5, 2014 Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Properties and Shannon Heritage were successfully incorporated under the Shannon Group banner (later rebranded in 2022 as The Shannon Airport Group).
Welcoming the 10th anniversary, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Shannon Airport Group, we reflect with immense pride on our progress and achievements over the past decade. From the significant growth at Shannon Airport, with this year set to be the busiest year at the airport since 2009, to investing over €178 million in infrastructure and property upgrades, we are very proud of our journey to date.
“We are more than just an airport, we are driving tourism, trade and economic growth. The economic impact of the Group was nearly €4 billion according to the most recent report by Oxford Economics, while we also support 20,300 jobs in the Midwest, underscoring the significant role we play in driving the region forward.”
Ms Considine paid tribute to its staff, customers and stakeholders. “This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible team, our valued customers, our dedicated partners, Government and all the other stakeholders who have supported our journey. This spirit of collaboration has been the foundation of our success, and I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone who has played a part in our story so far.
“Looking to the future, we are more committed than ever to continuing our legacy of innovation, sustainability, and economic development, ensuring a brighter, greener future for the Midwest region and beyond.”
In a statement this week The Shannon Airport Group said that the aviation component of its business is doing better than has been the case for many years. “A decade on, Shannon Airport is on track to handle over two million passengers for the first time since 2009, while over €178 million has been invested across the airport and commercial property business as part of the Group’s development strategy. An independent report on The Shannon Airport Group, published by Oxford Economics in 2023 found that the Group annually contributes almost €4 billion to Ireland’s GDP, while supporting over 20,300 jobs and contributing €643 million in tax revenues.
“The airport, operating to 33 destinations across Europe, the UK and the US, has been boosted considerably by Delta Air Lines new service to New York-JFK which began earlier this summer, as well as additional frequency on nine of its most popular summer sun destinations, including Alicante, Faro and Lanzarote. Shannon remains the only airport along the Wild Atlantic Way route to offer transatlantic flights to New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago. Additional capacity has been added on many of the popular routes for Winter ’24/’25.”
It also claimed that there has been significant success in the property side of its business. “Over the past ten years, The Shannon Airport Group’s commercial property business has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its reputation as a premier hub for a variety of industries. Central to this success is the Shannon Airport Business Park, located on the expansive Shannon Campus.
“As the largest multi-sectoral business park outside of Dublin, the Business Park is a thriving ecosystem that hosts over 300 companies. These businesses represent a wide range of industries, including life sciences, aviation, autonomous vehicles, engineering and medical devices. Collectively, they employ more than 10,000 professionals who are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.
“Future expansion is planned with the business park set to remain a cornerstone of the region’s economic development, fostering collaboration and growth.”
It also claimed that sustainability is a key priority for the Group. “Dedicated to building a brighter, greener future for both people and the planet, The Shannon Airport Group recognises the critical importance of reducing its environmental impact. Committed to a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050 at the latest, the Group is actively working with ESB to explore the potential for a green hydrogen facility in Shannon.
“Recently, The Shannon Airport Group was granted planning permission for a 1.2MW Photovoltaic Solar Farm on a 5.5-acre site within the airfield at Shannon Airport. This innovative project will make Shannon Airport home to Ireland’s first solar farm located within an airfield, which is expected to provide up to 15-20% of the airport’s current electrical demand from renewable energy upon completion.
“The Shannon Airport Group’s sustainability efforts are also deeply embedded in its extensive commercial property portfolio. The Group is leading the construction of new commercial property developments and upgrade of existing facilities to NZEB and LEED standards.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.