23 Ean 2013, 17:14
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications today heard Rose Hynes, Chair of the Shannon Airport Authority, outline plans to develop Shannon Airport into an economic driver, not only for the Midwest region, but for the country as a whole.
23 January 2013
Before her appointment as Chair in December, Ms Hynes chaired the task force on aviation business development at Shannon.
Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: “With the airport fully independent since 1 January, we heard a candid and determined presentation from Ms Hynes on both the challenges and the opportunities for the airport. Ms Hynes said that, in five years time, she hoped passenger numbers would have increased from current levels of 1.4 million per year to 2.5 million per year, and that Shannon would be transformed into a significant cargo and passenger hub. A significant recovery is already underway, with transatlantic traffic for this summer due to increase significantly.
“The Committee heard Ms Hynes assert that the longstanding ‘spirit of innovation’ that exists at Shannon would be a significant advantage in the creation of an international aviation services centre of excellence. With 1,600 people currently employed in 40 aviation companies in the area, it is estimated that between 3,000 and 3,500 jobs can be created through such a centre. We acknowledge Ms Hynes’ warning of intense international competition in the aviation management sector, particularly from Asia. The Committee takes on board her view that a coordinated national approach is required to safeguard and develop Ireland’s reputation in this lucrative business.”
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Committee Membership
Deputies
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
Tom Fleming, Independent
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Seán Kenny, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Ann Phelan, Labour
Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
Senators
Terry Brennan
Sean D. Barrett
Eamonn Coghlan
Paschal Mooney
Ned O’Sullivan
John Whelan