THE CHAIR of Clare County Council has asked that Shannon Airport be marketed as “the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way”.

At the April meeting of the local authority, Councillor PJ Ryan called on the Council to request Shannon Group, Clare Tourism, Fáilte Ireland and other tourism-related bodies to undertake the marketing initiative.

A written reply from Deirdre O’Shea, Acting Head of Tourism said that the success of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way brand “presents a unique opportunity for the marketing of Shannon Airport”.

“The Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, as an industry stakeholder-led forum comprises of representatives from Clare Tourism Department, Tourism businesses and State agencies, to include Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Group, meets on a bi-monthly basis,” the response said.

“The marketing of Shannon Airport is a recurring agenda item. This facilitates all partners on the forum working collaboratively to ensure that Shannon Airport and air connectivity to the West of Ireland receives continued priority through collaborative marketing nationally and internationally.

“Fáilte Ireland recognises that Shannon Airport as an international airport is integral to the West of Ireland and will market this and other airports on the Wild Atlantic Way as gateways, but in particular Shannon as the international airport.

“Shannon Group positions Shannon Airport as the closest airport and most convenient airport to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

“The Shannon Airport website features a section of the Wild Atlantic Way and shows photography of iconic sites of the county.

“Shannon Group work closely with Clare Tourism and participates in the Fáilte Ireland Wild Atlantic Way steering Group to ensure Shannon is heavily promoted as the international gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.”