Cathaoirleach welcomes establishment of Shannon Group

CATHAOIRLEACH of Clare County Council, John Crowe says Shannon Airport and the surrounding Free Zone have “never been better placed than now to generate new business.”

Councuillor John Crowe was speaking following the formal establishment by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe of Shannon Group plc, which brings together Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Enterprises Limited, Shannon Heritage and The International Aviation Services Centre (IASC).

The Cathaoirleach commented: “Ever since autonomy was granted to Shannon Airport there has been a sizeable growth in passenger numbers and new services. Likewise, the fortunes of the Shannon Free Zone and businesses based there have improved considerably during the past 18 months. Furthermore, tourism figures throughout the Mid West Region are also on the rise which is no small part down to the strong leadership that has been shown by those behind the positive developments that have taken place in Shannon.”

He continued: “The Minister’s formal establishment of the new entity will also allow management to advance the IASC project, which will focus on further developing the existing cluster of aviation related businesses, employing 1,600 people, at Shannon into a globally significant aerospace cluster. This project will complement the progress being made by other elements within Shannon Group plc.”

Meanwhile, Senator Tony Mulcahy has described the establishment of Shannon Group plc “as a milestone moment for Shannon and one that will inject huge confidence in the business and tourism sectors throughout the region.”