Shannon-Boston Easter link cut

The decision by Aer Lingus to suspend Shannon Airport’s only year round route to Boston over the Easter holiday period has been deplored by Clare TD Timmy Dooley.

He said that the service cutback will have a negative impact on the hospitality sector across the West of Ireland. Deputy Dooley made the comments after Aer Lingus confirmed the linkwould be temporarily suspended due to operational reasons.

Deputy Dooley said,“The announcement by Aer Lingus that it is cutting its only year round route to Boston during the Easter holiday period is alarming. The cancelling of flights between March 29 and April 8 will have a negative impact on the tourism industry across the west of Ireland.

“Easter is traditionally a busy time of year for the hospitality sector and this service cutback will undoubtedly lead to a loss of business in the region. The disruption caused to tourists will also damage the image of Shannon and the west of Ireland for years to come. American tourists have already purchased tickets to travel to Shannon over Easter and now they face the prospect of having to either rearrange their plans or perhaps cancel their trip entirely.”

The Fianna Fáil TD called on Aer Lingus to take into account the impact that this service disruption will have on the hospitality sector in the West of Ireland and to reconsider the decision.

“We cannot have a situation arise where Aer Lingus thinks it is acceptable to cut services at Shannon to supplement shortages in Dublin,” he said.