The Mayor was speaking following the Department of Transport's confirmation yesterday (29 November 2007) that talks with the US government over pre-customs clearance facilities in Shannon are at preliminary stage.
Her call also follows comments by Seamus Brennan, the Minister for Tourism. Minister Brennan yesterday said that Shannon Airport faces a big challenge with the launch of Open Skies and ending of the Aer Lingus link with Heathrow.
"Minister Brennan is correct when he says the Midwest region faces a huge challenge in 2008 but he has failed to point out that his own Government holds the key to unlocking the potential for significant growth at Shannon Airport", stated Mayor McCarthy.
She explained, "When established, the full US Customs and Border Protection Inspection post will provide Shannon with an essential competitive advantage over other European Airports when developing additional services. Despite the efforts of some to undermine Shannon as a strong independent airport, the establishment of this facility would help the airport win its share of additional business to almost 20 new gateways in the United States."
She continued, "The Government must ensure that the Dublin Airport Authority, which holds the purse strings, releases all necessary funds to its subsidiary in Shannon without further delay. I would also urge the Irish Government to speed up legal negotiations with the US Government if it truly wishes Shannon to develop as a financially and operationally viable airport."
Mayor McCarthy, meanwhile, said she took issue with Minister Brennan's description of the Shannon Region being "very resilient".
"This Region has had no choice but to be resilient in the face of inadequate Government responses to matters that undermine balanced regional development. We have received little Government assistance in dealing with the fallout of Aer Lingus's decision to drop its Shannon to Heathrow service and the fear is that the same could happen with the airline's US services", concluded the Mayor.
Michael Verikios - Friday, November 30, 2007