The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Among the people appearing before the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response today is Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine.
Representatives of Ryanair, Aer Lingus and the DAA are also appearing before the committee in Leinster House.
Passenger numbers at Shannon have fallen very significantly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, while some Shannon Heritage sites have remained closed and others, including Bunratty Castle, are due to close for the season at the end of August. Shannon Group is also responsible for the operation of Shannon Heritage.
Speaking before the meeting, Committee chairman, Michael McNamara TD said: “The catastrophic impact the pandemic response has had on the aviation industry was outlined to Committee members, last week by unions. TDs were warned of a “tsunami” of redundancies and the potential liquidation of Aer Lingus.
“We will continue our investigation into this sector, when we hear from officials from the management of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports and officials from airlines; Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The Committee looks forward to discussing the implications for the airline industry of the pandemic and the State’s response to date, on airports, airlines and staff.
