Shannon-Paris CDG Service Could Be Catalyst For New Era At Shannon Airport – Minister Killeen

Minister Killeen said that the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) had, once again, proven itself to be capable of attracting new business to the Airport.

"There are strong indications that the SAA has performed its functions very successfully to date and that it would be capable of operating with better effect were it fully independent of the Dublin Airport Authority. The SAA's competence in developing new business is highlighted by its ability to persuade CityJet and its parent company Air France to commence this new daily schedule from February next year", explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, "I strongly support Shannon Airport becoming an autonomous operation. I believe that the SAA, with the support of the Government, can build on this significant development but can only do so by being granted full autonomy by the Dublin Airport Authority. The question of granting Shannon debt free status is also one that needs to be addressed if the Airport is to continue to grow."

Minister Killeen confirmed that he would be working with the Ministers for Finance and Transport to ensure that full consideration is given to the business plan, recently submitted to Government by the SAA.

He described the establishment of the new service between Shannon and Paris CGD as a hugely significant development.

Minister Killeen said, "This is a first class service that comes as a welcome relief to business and tourism interests in the West of Ireland. The significance of this announcement should not be underestimated in light of Aer Lingus’s decision to drop its Shannon-Heathrow service. Shannon Airport will now be provided with connectivity to 248 non-stop destinations from Paris Charles de Gaulle. This compares with the 169 destinations out of Heathrow."

-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)