‘ELECTRIC Airport’ designation should be sought for Shannon, according to a member of the local authority. Councillor Johnny Flynn tabled a motion at the July meeting of the council asking that the government and Shannon Group be urged to plan for the use of green electricity at the facility. He said the move would help Ireland to meet its climate action targets in reducing emissions from the aviation sector and help secure the future of Shannon Airport.
“We all know how important Shannon Airport is and that it contributes €3.6bn to Ireland’s GDP, supporting 43,700 jobs,” the Fine Gael member outlined. “We also know that aviation has to change and to decarbonise. There are a number of Irish companies involved in developing electric planes and we should be building the infrastructure. We know that aviation will have to green its processes.”
The motion was seconded by Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Ryan. Councillor Pat McMahon also gave his support, saying that the move to electric technology was “an extension for the future of aviation”.