This article is from page 20 of the 2008-12-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
INDUSTRY and_ business _repre- sentatives have been predicting a lift in the region’s fortunes as a result of the return of the Heathrow routes to SJetvepeleyee
IBEC Mid West Director Mr Chris O’Donovan said “The restoration of this connection is a huge boost to the Mid West. It restores an essential link to one of the world’s most important airport hubs giving the region truly international access.”
He said that in the past few months, there has been a dramatic downturn in the regional economy. “Some of our top employers have reduced the numbers employed and are facing huge uncertainty in markets in 2009. Today’s news is a welcome boost to confidence in the region and we wel- come the Aer Lingus commitment to Shannon as a base for both long and short haul flights in the future.”
“Shannon Development warmly welcomes the announcement by Aer Lingus to go back on the Shan- non-Heathrow route. This route is a critical part of the west of Ireland’s economic infrastructure, particularly for the tourism and industry sectors. Over the years the Heathrow service has been essential in enticing foreign direct investment, new indiginous in- dustries, and tourists to the West of Ireland.
John Brassil, Chairman Shannon Development and Chairman ACA
(Atlantic Connectivity Alliance said that Shannon Development actively works with Aer Lingus, City Jet and Ryanair on all of their UK and European air services into Shannon Airport.
“In this difficult economic climate we will be redoubling our efforts and would ask all business and tourism interests in the region to get behind the Heathrow route,” he said.
The Irish Hotels Federation Shan- non Branch chairman, Michael Vaughan, said hoteliers and _ busi- nesses in the west have always been convinced about the viability of the route, which clearly makes sound business sense. We are glad that Aer Lingus staff and management recently negotiated new operational terms that have precipitated the re- turn of the service. We look forward
to working closely with the company to promote the service to the benefit of the region and local economy.”