Back-up plan for Shannon

TRANSPORT Minister Leo Varadkar considered four options, some with subtle though critical differences, before the final decision was made to give Shannon Airport independence from Dublin Airport Authority.

 

With Shannon operating as a new entity since December 31, it is intriguing to hear a central figure in the transfer process state that while no guarantees can be given in respect of achieving goals, there is a contingency plan should things go wrong.

The separation option, which was formally introduced on December 31, received a broad welcome in the Mid-West. The new era was heralded in with a €100m debt write-off and a business plan focused on growing passenger numbers and route development.

Among Minister Varadkar’s priorities for 2013 is the establishment of an independent Shannon NewCo [working title], bringing together the airport and Shannon Development.

The fanfare surrounding Shannon’s independence day had barely faded away, however, when airport workers threatened industrial action to protect their pay rates. Union-management talks resolved matters, although there are some outstanding issues to be dealt with in the coming months.

An insight into the dynamic of the new airport was revealed on Wednesday when Rose Hynes, chairperson of the Shannon Airport Authority plc, appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.

She said job cuts are not being planned at Shannon but there is “no guarantee” that goals set for the airport and the new International Aviation Services Centre would be met.

“There are currently 230 people working in Shannon Airport and it’s not our intention to have job losses. The intention is to grow the pie,” she said. Ms Hynes added that there would be a need for “very effective work practices” and that management would work with staff on achieving that.

Ms Hynes, who chaired last year’s Government-appointed Aviation Business Development Task Force, said the targets that have been set for Shannon include raising passenger numbers to 2.5 million and creating an International Aviation Services Centre, employing up to 3,500 people.

She grabbed everybody’s full attention when she said a “plan B” has been prepared if things don’t work out for Shannon but declined to give any details of it.

Rather than viewing this as a pessimistic or defeatist attitude, it could be interpreted as being pragmatic at a time when the future in any business field is unpredictable. It is commendable to have an alternative plan to insure against the possibility of future storms.

Ms Hynes told the joint committee there is no desire for “unsustainable growth” of the type seen with Ryanair some years ago, which saw the airport attract 3.6 million passengers in a year, before cutbacks by the airline sent Shannon into a severe decline.

Again, this is a very sensible approach – steady as she goes. It is important that progress is made in a way that will see Shannon Airport held up as a creditable business partner, offering not only passenger routes but also reinforcing its role as a gateway to the West of Ireland for business and industry.

Cold, the enemy of the elderly

THE weather is always a great subject of conversation, particularly the adverse effects of extremes, such as soaring temperatures and sub-zero conditions. As with the recent snow and ice around the country, we’re all aware of transport services disruptions, isolated homes cut off, power cuts and accidents.

Sometimes, despite appeals from State and voluntary agencies, the particular needs of the elderly during cold weather can be overlooked. Several cases in recent years where people have been found dead in their own homes, with hypothermia as the main contributory factor, remind us that cold can be a cruel killer. Urban or rural, the cold does not discriminate when it comes to picking off vulnerable victims.

“Cold weather can kill and does kill in Ireland, making the winter a particularly challenging period for older people, in particular. Snow and ice make that challenge even greater, as many older people may not be able to get out to buy food, fuel or medical supplies,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said this week.

The older people’s charity is urging everyone to play their part to help their vulnerable neighbours and friends by dropping by their homes or contacting them by phone.

Helping people with simple household chores, such as cleaning or going to the shop for basic foodstuff, can eliminate a lot of the risks elderly people face. Checking open fires or electrical appliances is also something to help safeguard them against potential catastrophe.

It is recommended that rooms that elderly people spend the most time in should be about 21oC and 18oC in other rooms. Medical research has found that when temperatures fall below 16oC, there is an increased risk of respiratory problems. Where it drops below 12oC, the blood thickens and there is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

It’s all common sense really. All it requires of the person is a few minutes of their time to provide the support. Groups such as Age Action, Community Alert, Muintir na Tire and many other voluntary organisations, with assistance from the gardaí, are happy to give advice to both the elderly and those who are willing and able to help them.

The bad weather may also be a catalyst for getting more people involved in helping the elderly.