Minister Killeen Speaks to Aer Lingus CEO Over Shannon-Heathrow Service

Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen, has spoken with the Aer Lingus CEO over the airline's plan to cease direct flights between Shannon and Heathrow.

[ClickPress, Mon Aug 06 2007] Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen, has spoken with the Aer Lingus CEO over the airline's plan to cease direct flights between Shannon and Heathrow.

Minister Killeen told Mr. Dermot Mannion that he was deeply concerned by the plan, which he described as being detrimental to the West of Ireland's business and tourism sectors.

"The Shannon to Heathrow service has very high load tractor, which indicates that the Aer Lingus decision move may be based on lower yield factors. I await a full explanation from Dermot Mannion on this issue. However, this comes as no comfort to those whose jobs may be at risk. It also affects the thousands of people who use the service each year, whether it is for direct access to London and the West of Ireland or as a link to onward connecting flights", explained Minister Killeen.

Minister Killeen said, "If Aer Lingus cannot be persuaded to change this decision, which I believe can still be reversed, it is absolutely vital that new services from Shannon to Heathrow be put in place at times of the day that are convenient to the business community in the west of Ireland."

Minister Killeen said he had spoken at length with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey concerning the announcement. The Minister has also spoken with Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher and has requested that the Labour Relations Commission is available to deal with any issues that may arise from the anticipated Aer Lingus announcement.

Commenting on the potential loss of jobs at Shannon Airport arising from the Aer Lingus decision, Minister Killeen said, "Aer Lingus employees at Shannon may be offered the option of relocating to Dublin or Cork. However, in a situation where the airline is announcing a reduction in services such redeployment seems impossible to arrange at Shannon. In any case, this is not a practical option for the majority of Shannon's Aer Lingus employees who I know are not interested in redeployment. That is why I have spoken with the Minister for Labour Affairs to ensure that the State's machinery is in place to address all the concerns of workers."

Minister Killeen said he was not surprised that business and community leaders in the Region were now questioning the credibility of Aer Lingus' commitment to Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland.

"The common sentiment being expressed today by public representatives and business leaders in the region is that Aer Lingus is not committed to maintaining let alone developing existing operations at Shannon Airport. However, I feel that the Flagship Carrier's recent announcement regarding the continuation of transatlantic services at the Clare airport over the winter period is somewhat reassuring", continued Minister Killeen.

It is expected that the Aer Lingus will announce tomorrow morning that the ending of the Shannon-Heathrow link will coincide with a new service between Heathrow and Belfast International Airport.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)

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