This article is from page 13 of the 2012-08-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
IT’S as you were for Shannon Development as the agency that has been the economic driver for the mid-west region since 1959 prepares for the future, despite the uncertainty surrounding its role in the wake of the Government decision to change the company’s remit as part of creating a new model for Shannon Airport.
Chief executive Dr Vincent Cunnane has spoken confidently about the company carving a new niche for itself in the region, but has admitted to “uncertainty” about what its new remit will be over the next year.
“It is a period of uncertainty for Shannon Development, but in a way, we always have had uncertainty”, admitted Dr Cunnane. “Uncertainty is not a good environment in which to work but it’s business as usual as much as we can. That’s our mantra since these announcements.
“It’s business as usual until something officially changes. Nothing has been officially changed, nothing is before the Government and we will continue to do our job in the professional manner we have always done it and yield good results in difficult times,” he added.
In June this year a steering group was appointed to oversee the Government decision to merge Shannon Airport with Shannon Development to form a new entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership.
As part of this, Shannon Development’s functions in relation to indigenous enterprise, foreign direct investment and tourism are to transfer to the national agencies.
Commenting further, the Shannon Development chief said, “Shannon Development staff will continue to provide a range of services to all their clients. We are in touch with our clients to assure them that our service levels will be unaffected during the interim period and that staff will continue to deliver the high level of service that clients have come to expect.”
“Shannon Development is working closely with the Government steering group and is represented on the working groups of the two task forces set up to look at the aviation development and the change management dimensions of the decision,” said Shannon Development chairman John Brassil.
“A successful Shannon Airport is vital to secure the future economic success of the region. Therefore it is crucial that the blueprint being developed for it is fit for purpose and utilises the unique experience and skills set of Shannon Development and Shannon Airport staff to plot its course and deliver the next generation of world firsts,” he added.