Joint Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss challenges facing aviation industry and announcements about Shannon and Cork with representatives of Aer Lingus

Speaking ahead of the meeting at 12.30pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kieran O’Donnell said: “The Committee was disappointed by the recent announcements by Aer Lingus that it plans to shut its Shannon cabin crew base permanently and close its Cork base for three months from September. Members are concerned for the cabin crew and other jobs losses due to these proposed base closures, as well as the major implications for connectivity, business and tourism across the south, mid-west and west of Ireland.

“We have previously discussed the many challenges facing the aviation industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, including re-establishing the Heathrow, European and Transatlantic routes connectivity for all airports. Having met with representatives of the union Fórsa and Aer Lingus cabin crews from Shannon, Cork and Dublin last week, we now look forward to discussing these and related matters with Aer Lingus management.”

The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas.ie.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.