The Irish Government has less than a week to salvage the Shannon to Heathrow service and the future economic viability of the West of Ireland, according to the Mayor of Clare. Speaking following British Midland`s decision not to…
The Irish Government has less than a week to salvage the Shannon to Heathrow service and the future economic viability of the West of Ireland, according to the Mayor of Clare. Speaking following British Midland`s decision not to establish a service between the two airports, Cllr Patricia McCarthy said that a deadline of 11th October next has been set for receipt of submissions regarding slots at Heathrow in 2008.
She added, Instead of using its influence to seek a reversal of Aer Lingus`s decision to move the Heathrow slots from Shannon to Belfast, this Government has conducted a cynical exercise in supposedly trying to attract BMI to take up the route. As far as I am aware, nothing more than an exchange of letters took place between both parties.
The wringing of hands and many crocodile tears from the Government over the loss of the Shannon Heathrow service has transpired to be the most tragic element of this entire sorry saga for the people of the West of Ireland. The Government now has just six days to rectify the situation, added the Mayor.
Mayor McCarthy explained, We understand that there is a clearly defined process for the allocation of slots at London Heathrow with key dates for particular submissions regarding slots at Heathrow for 2008. Proposed schedules must be submitted by all airlines seeking landing and take off slots at Heathrow to the relevant authority by 11th October 2007. Schedules are then either endorsed and/or negotiated at a conference to be held in Toronto in mid November 2007.
The Mayor stated that the Irish Government has failed to give any assurances or indication that a submission will be made to retain the Shannon-Heathrow slots as they have operated for many years.
This is an extremely disturbing development and it demonstrates the need for urgent action by Government to ensure that this connectivity is retained. I would call on all representatives of the Government parties to immediately use their influence to ensure that this crisis for the region is averted, concluded Mayor McCarthy.
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