SUPPORTS could be put in place to encourage a new service linking Shannon and one of the EU’s major hub airports, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton told the Dáil this week.
Clare TD Cathal Crowe asked if the Department had received a Public Service application in relation to a service from Shannon to Amsterdam Schiphol, and Ms Naughton confirmed that such an application is now being considered.
“I can advise the Deputy that my Department is currently considering a request from Shannon Airport in relation to the establishment of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route to provide EU Hub connectivity from Shannon Airport.
“To date, policy on regional airports has been largely influenced by the need to optimise conditions for regional development and connectivity.
“While the establishment of air services is a commercial matter between airports, airlines and other market actors, the Regional Airports Programme provides for a PSO air services scheme in compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008.
“Under this scheme financial support is provided to airlines that operate essential air services to isolated areas – those not adequately served by alternative transport services to administrative, business, education and medical centres.”
She acknowledged that giving the PSO support would be a change of policy, but said that certain policies have had to be adapted due to Covid-19.
“With regard to expanding current PSO services, over the past 10 years Ireland has significantly rationalised PSO air services, with only one such route now supported under this scheme between Donegal/Dublin.
“It would be a significant shift to expand Government policy for the support of PSO services beyond that of support on domestic routes.
“It would also be important to consider the potential impact of such a policy, not only on the Exchequer, but also on similar routes operating on a commercial basis from other regional airports.
“Furthermore, it is Government policy that State-owned airports operate on a fully commercial basis without recourse to Exchequer funding.
“However, in light of the devastating impacts of Covid-19 and in recognition of the importance of Shannon Airport and Cork Airport to their respective regional and local economies, government provided on an exceptional basis funding to both Shannon and Cork airports.”
She said that while Shannon has already received substantial support, she would not rule out allowing a PSO between it and Amsterdam Schiphol.
“While I am satisfied that substantial Exchequer support recently provided to Shannon Airport has positioned the airport for recovery and growth into the future, I have asked my department to expedite the consideration of this request.”
While Shannon already has a Heathrow service, since Brexit it does not have connectivity to a major EU hub.
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the continent’s most significant hubs, with onward connectivity to a huge number of destinations.
If Shannon-Amsterdam Schiphol was given the PSO designation it would give a financial incentive to an airline servicing the route.
Deputy Crowe has met with representatives of Amsterdam Schiphol already this year and he said that if the route was served it would be great for Clare.
“It would connect Shannon and the Mid-West to the four corners of the world and give an immense advantage from a business and tourism point of view.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.