IT is understood a new Shannon Group chairperson could be appointed within days.
As recently as last week senior figures in Government were of the view that the appointment could be completed by the time the Dáil was due to rise for the summer on Thursday, July 15.
Shannon Group has been without a chairperson since last summer.
The position was due to be filled by Aaron Forde in February, but after a series of offensive tweets from him emerged his appointment never went ahead, and the search for a successor to Rose Hynes had to recommence.
Some months ago the names of Padraig Ó Céidigh, the former Aer Arann owner and Eamon Foley, who held senior roles in Aer Rianta International for 20 years were being linked with the position.
Clare TD Joe Carey said he expects white smoke very soon. “It’s my understanding that the appointment of a chairperson of the board is imminent. It’s important that Government gets this critical appointment right. It’s important that the person who is appointed has a strong background in aviation, in tourism and has a deep understanding of the Mid West and Western regions of the country.”
Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine said that the appointment of a new chairperson would be welcome. “We would welcome the appointment of a chair to the board, it’s a critical role.”
Rose Hynes had filled the role of chairperson of Shannon Group from its creation at the start of 2013, until last August.
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.