The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan has today announced the appointment of Pádraig Ó Céidigh as Chairperson of Shannon Group.
Mr Ó Céidigh is expected to formally take up the three-year appointment following an appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.
A former Senator, Mr Ó Céidigh is a very successful entrepreneur and held senior management positions in Aer Arann for 26 years. The fact he has extensive experience in aviation and is from Galway will be welcomed by many political figures in Clare, who were anxious that someone with a relevant background and an understanding of the issues facing the west of Ireland be appointed.
He takes the position at an extremely challenging time for Shannon, with aviation facing what’s expected to be a slow recovery following the pandemic.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ó Céidigh said: “Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Shannon Region and wider west of Ireland economy. It is imperative that Shannon Group is supported in its recovery, and I am deeply committed to working with the CEO and Board to ensure this happens. The revitalisation of the airport is important not only for the staff who work there, but for the thousands of people who rely on Shannon’s air connectivity for their business and livelihoods.”
Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Ó Céidigh on his new appointment as Chairperson. His wealth of business experience in the aviation sector in particular, will be of immense support to Shannon Group.
“Our focus now is on continuing to rebuild vital air services for the people and businesses in this region who rely on Shannon for air connectivity. We are doing this by working with our aviation partners to build on the success we have had to-date. There is a long journey ahead for aviation recovery, but I am confident that with the right supports and the hard work of the entire team here, we will see Shannon thrive again.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
