Independence day looms for Shannon

AFTER eight years of a rather loveless marriage to the DAA, Shannon is set to be given back its independence with details of the separation are due in the next few days.

Presently, questions still abound about how Shannon will maintain itself after the separation but the Government insist it will be viable, despite counterclaims from Fianna Fáil, who are adamant the highly lucrative Aer Rianta International should be left with Shannon, where it was founded.

At the time of writing, the exact details haven’t yet been officially revealed but the Government have already outlined much of what will be in the official announcement, which is expected before next Wednesday, possibly even by the weekend.

A new entity will be established, which will be in public ownership but will have a commercial mandate. As well as running the airport, it will have an industrial property portfolio (which it will get from Shannon Development) and a concerted effort has been made to attract aviation related industries.

An Aviation Business Development Taskforce was set up following the decision to take Shannon out of the DAA structure and it recently completed its work.

It is understood they spoke to a number of aviation-related businesses regarding coming to Shannon and it is expected there will be some positive announcements in the coming months.

As The Clare Champion reported at the start of this month, the taskforce had productive talks with Ryanair and a new deal will be announced following separation, which will significantly increase traffic through the airport. It is thought that as many as six planes could be based at Shannon, as many as were there when the economy was booming.

In a statement from the transport minister’s office on Wednesday, it stated the separation will work for Shannon.

“After 14 years of indecision, this Government, unlike its predecessors, is determined to implement the plan which will be of benefit to the airport and the whole region.

“For the first time in 14 years, Shannon Airport will have a viable future on a sustainable model.”

Shannon is set to have its debt, estimated at €100 million, left with the DAA but many, including former airport director Liam Skelly who writes on the subject on this page, argue this isn’t nearly adequate, given that Aer Rianta International is being left with the DAA.

ARI was set up and developed in Shannon and staff are still there. It is also a huge revenue generator, having recorded profits of €35m last year, while it holds net assets of slightly over €195m.