Budget measures to boost aviation industry

MINISTER for Finance Michael Noonan announced in his budget speech on Wednesday proposals for job creation in the aviation sector in Ireland.

He explained the taskforces established to consider what was needed to effect independence for Shannon Airport concluded there is potential for significant job creation in the aviation sector in Ireland.

“To facilitate the sector, I will be putting in place measures to facilitate the construction of hangers and ancillary facilities that will be key to attracting additional aviation sector organisations to the country,” he announced.

Minister Noonan added that his department will also examine, together with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the feasibility of new funding sources for airlines and aircraft financing and leasing companies.

“While these measures were proposed by the taskforces for the new International Services Centre in Shannon, I am making the measures available to all other airports, who wish also to avail of these measures,” he concluded.

Chairman of the Shannon Aviation Business Development Taskforce Rose Hynes welcomed the statement.

“Minister Noonan’s announcement of a range of measures for the Irish aviation industry is a timely boost for Shannon Airport following the announcement by Government on Monday of separation of the airport by year end. These measures will be advantageous to our plans at Shannon to build sustainable passenger growth, as well as transforming the airport into a major international centre for aviation-related business.”