Henry optimistic for Shannon but State help still needed

THERE are reasons to be confident about Shannon’s recovery from the downturn caused by Covid-19, but it is not a given and ongoing support will be required, Conal Henry, the incoming chairman of Shannon Group told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this week.

A Belfast native now based in Dublin, he said that he does have a good understanding of issues in the Mid West.

“It is important to stress that I have spent a significant amount of time in the Mid-West over the years. As well as running enet in Limerick for 12 years, I also served two
terms as a director of the Shannon Foynes Port company. So, I think have a good understanding of the challenges associated with the region, and the region’s economic issues as well.”

He said that there are reasons for optimism about the future of Shannon Group.

“Over the years Shannon Group has contributed significantly to economic activity and growth in the Mid-West region. I am already confident it will rebound fully, and you have my full commitment to assisting with this in whatever way I can. I also believe that working, together with the team in Shannon, the Board, and stakeholders across the region, we can build back stronger.

“All of the ingredients are there for this to happen. I believe that the Group is uniquely placed to act as a catalyst for future economic growth through its mix of business activities.

“It has a successful property portfolio, a strong investment strategy and an airport that is recovering well from one of the worst catastrophes in the history of global aviation.”

He feels Shannon has done quite well since the lifting of travel restrictions.

“The Group has made huge strides in its ambition to build back air traffic. The immediate focus at Shannon has concentrated on restoring passenger traffic, and I am pleased to see the airport already recovering, with 26 services to 11 countries on offer this summer.

“Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, 1.7 million passengers travelled through Shannon Airport. It is important to remember that in early 2020, Shannon Airport was set for a year of growth, with new routes and having secured locally based aircraft.”

However, he also warned that the hoped-for improvement in passenger numbers is not inevitable. “Recovery is not a given and it will only happen through the concerted efforts of all
stakeholders pulling in the same direction.

In my role as Chair, but also as a citizen, I remain deeply concerned at the widening gap between Dublin and our other four airports.

In Ireland the east coast airport captures 87% of all travellers whilst the four other airports compete for the remaining 13%. This undermines balanced regional development and will destroy competitiveness unless a way is found to create a more coherent airport offering.

“Government support to date for Shannon has been very welcome and I thank the Committee for its role in securing this. In the medium-term, however, to allow them to fulfill their potential, airports like Shannon need continued support and I would advocate for the airport to remain in the Regional Airports Programme and I ask the Committee today to support this move also.”

Mr Henry also said he wants opportunities related to the Shannon Estuary to be taken advantage of.

“Finally it has not escaped my attention that Shannon has an unparalleled reputation for driving innovation and as Chair I hope to ensure that the Group builds on that tradition.

“As we decarbonise our economy there is an opportunity to develop the Shannon estuary into the “Aberdeen of offshore wind.” This will require a clear and coordinated approach and I will ensure that Shannon Group plays a full and proactive role in realising this opportunity for the Mid-West.”