Airport autonomy inevitable, says Mulcahy

Full autonomy for Shannon is inevitable after the Booz Report this week recommended an end to the DAA’s management of the airport, said to Fine Gael senator Tony Mulcahy.
He said the report strengthens the arguments put forward by various agencies and organisations regarding an autonomous airport and free zone.  “I spoke with Minister Varadkar today [Wednesday] and reiterated my long-held belief that Shannon Airport will require full autonomy if it is to prosper in the future. The Booz report clearly backs up this view and I would be confident that once due diligence has been undertaken in relation to the financial implications of such a move, that the minister will issue a decision that will benefit Shannon Airport, the surrounding free zone and the wider Mid-West Region.”
Clare TD Joe Carey welcomed the decision to publish the report and also backed its findings. “I welcome the decision taken by Minister Varadkar to publish the Booz and Co report today and have called for this action. I took the opportunity of submitting an extensive submission to Booz and Co where I outlined some of the possibilities and potentials for the future of Shannon Airport. This submission document is available to view on my website. Quite simply, unless action is taken, the future of Shannon Airport is in doubt. Passenger numbers have halved in recent years. It’s clear that the current governance and financial model behind the airport is not working for it or the region.
“I welcome the fact that Booz and Co sees the merit in a new governance model for Shannon, with buy-in from local stakeholders. I also welcome the vision outlined in relation to industrial lands adjacent to the airport and the potential for Shannon to become a major cargo hub. The next phase in this process is for a decision to be made, having considered the report in full. Minister Varadkar has indicated this will happen by Easter. Should legislation be needed, then we will work efficiently and quickly to bring this into effect.”
His colleague, Pat Breen, was critical of Fianna Fáil’s record on Shannon. “The minister’s willingness to publish the report is in stark contrast to his predecessors, who refused to publish any reports ahead of the enactment of the 2004 State Airports Bill and their decision to separate the three airports, which we now know was a complete fiasco and left Shannon Airport in limbo for the past eight years.
“Within 12 months of assuming office, Minister Varadkar has engaged these consultants, published their findings and by Easter will have made his decision known on his preferred option for the future of the airport.”
He said there are a number of issues to be teased out. “It is quite clear from this report that there are a number of issues to be addressed in terms of the financial viability of the airport going forward, namely the resolution of the debt and pension situation and the mechanism under which the airport can be part subsidised into the future.
“I understand all of these issues are being examined fully in a cross-departmental consultation process and that there is ongoing engagement with all the relevant stakeholders including the staff at the airport as to what is best for Shannon Airport and this region and it is after this round of extensive discussions that Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will make his views known.”
Senator Martin Conway said, “For the last 10 years, there has been much speculation regarding the future of Shannon Airport but little or no action from the previous Government. In less than a year in office, the Minister for Transport has taken the issue to hand, with a decision in light of this report due by Easter.
“The Booz report will help to inform local people about the possible choices being considered by the Government. In order for Shannon Airport to survive, it needs a buy-in from all interested parties in the region. The worst thing that could happen for the airport would be for no decisions to be made. We have seen a steady decline in passenger numbers and it’s clear the present structure is past its sell-by date and that a new approach is needed.
He said he has faith in Mr Varadkar. “I have total confidence that Minister Varadkar is the right man in the right position to deliver for Shannon Airport. He has made it clear that once he has given adequate consideration to the Booz report, he will make decisions. I look forward to working with the minister and all other interested parties to ensure Shannon Airport will once again drive the economy of Clare of the Mid-West Region.”