This article is from page 4 of the 2007-04-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE vote by staff at Shannon Air- port to accept the airport authority’s restructuring deal has been widely welcomed.
The Clare County Development Board described the result of the bal- lot by SIPTU members as a, “defin- ing moment for the future develop- ment of the local airport”.
The ballot followed last month’s agreement reached between airport trade unions and management.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy (Ind) acknowledged that 200 jobs would go
under the restructuring plan.
“T am confident that these jobs will be compensated for by the new serv- ice providers at the airport,” said Cllr McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of the County Development Board.
Tom Coughlan, Director of the board said that it looked forward to working with the Shannon Airport Authority to promote Shannon Air- port.
“With passenger numbers last year of 3.6 million, the County Develop- ment Board sees ongoing investment in the development of the airport as critical in determining the growth
potential of County Clare and the entire Shannon region. Shannon In- ternational Airport is at the heart of the success of the Atlantic Corridor and is fundamental to its potential to deliver innovation, economic growth, and a competitive industrial and tour- ism base,” he said.
Limerick Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the result. Chief Ex- ecutive, Maria Kelly said that with the advent of Open Skies, it had “become even more critical that the Airport reduces their cost base to be- come more competitive and attract new business”.
Shannon Airport management and the Dublin Airport Authority were among the first to react to the news on the vote. It will allow savings of €10m annually for the airport.
Shannon Airport Authority Execu- tive Chairman, Pat Shanahan said the acceptance was the “next step to en- suring Shannon Airport has a viable platform from which to grow. I would like to acknowledge the commitment shown by staff representatives”.
He added that the “implementation of the programme is vital if Shannon Airport is to successfully meet the challenges of Open Skies”.