Editorial

When Shannon Airport was finally granted autonomy, escaping, at last, the controlling clutches of Dublin Airport Authority, it’s future was very much in its own hands.
Debt free, under the stewardship of chairperson Rose Hynes, chief executive Neil Pakey and their team, Shannon had to go out into the global market and sell itself. Life as an independent entity brought with it the necessity of having to stand up and fight for business.
Just six months into the new management regime and things are looking up for Shannon. Passenger numbers have soared with figures for June showing an 8% increase on the corresponding month last year.
This is a good news story for Shannon and a hugely positive development given this is the first time since 2008 that the airport has experienced growth in month-over-month passenger numbers.
The overall June increases have been most pronounced in US passenger numbers, up 38% on the same month last year. Crucial to that growth has been the commencement of a new United Airlines Chicago service and a Philadelphia service with US Airways.
A sense of optimism is also in the air arising from other positive developments on transatlantic operations. It follows the recent announcement by Aer Lingus that it is to extend its existing Boston and JFK New York flights to daily services next year, resulting in an additional 25% growth on its transatlantic passengers at Shannon for 2014.
Overall, passenger numbers grew to 160,573 in June, from 148,531 last year. European services also contributed significantly to the increase, up by 18% on the same month last year.
Shannon’s marketability as a gateway to the west of Ireland also has significant knock-on effects for those engaged in tourism and the hospitality sector.
The airport’s contribution to tourism in the county has been crystallised and latest research shows Clare was the county most visited by US visitors last year. A total of 46% of US transatlantic passengers, who spend on average 60% more than other tourists to Ireland and who arrived through Shannon last year, holidayed in the county.
This passenger growth has generated a mood of optimism at the airport. Shannon Airport chief executive Neil Pakey admitted they are encouraged by the increase in traffic and he attributed this passenger growth to “the hard work of our team in securing a range of new services and is a really good start to life as an independent airport”.
It seems things are looking up once more at Shannon.

Show some respect

Last Friday morning at 10.39am the ESB press office issued a release to The Clare Champion and, presumably various other media strands, advising the public that swimming is not permitted in any of their reservoirs.
They underlined the warning by emphasising the dangers presented due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing water levels and fast-flowing waters. Highlighted as a no-go reservoir was the Ardnacrusha tail race canal.
Unfortunately, by the time the media got to carry the specifics of the release, tragedy had struck. That evening, 17-year-old, Joe Killeen from Meelick tragically lost his life when he got into difficulty while swimming with pals at the tail race in Ardnacrusha.
But the tragic and accidental drowning of the teenager won’t be the last this summer. It won’t unless people heed warnings to swim only at properly supervised swimming areas and beaches.
Statistics show that the summer holidays, in particular, is when drownings peak. It is vital that people understand that water remains very cold, even in very hot weather, and there may be strong currents and hidden hazards, which can prove fatal.
Most of the victims are swimmers who overestimate their capabilities. Others are those who don’t exercise sufficient caution.
Last week, as the throngs flocked to the Clare coast, it emerged that lifeguards on duty at Spanish Point were pressed into overdrive as bathers repeatedly ignored warnings and behaved irresponsibly.
Dubbed ‘Record Rescue Monday’, it has emerged that over 20 rescues were made when people got into difficulty because of strong rip currents. People didn’t obey the lifeguards; people didn’t stay within the designated swimming zones and people didn’t behave responsibly.
Clare County Council Water Safety Officer, Liam Griffin was left infuriated by the behaviour of some beach goers.
“It’s very frustrating. If everybody did what they were told at the beach it would be difficult enough, but people are absolutely doing their own thing, disregarding any advice and are not respecting the flags that we have on our beaches,” he declared.
It’s all about respect; respect for the lifeguards and respect for the water. If people don’t heed the advice, the anguish and heartache visited upon the Killeen family may become someone else’s story.