Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)

The decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon-Heathrow service without an adequate replacement will be a devastating blow to business and tourism in the mid-west region. Countless jobs, a myriad of industries and tourism in the region are dependent on a vibrant Shannon Airport. Aer Lingus knows a Shannon-Heathrow route is viable, but sees a more lucrative opportunity in moving the coveted Heathrow slots to Belfast. This is a desperately cynical move by a company that holds itself up as the national airline.

The Aer Lingus decision is a selfish vested interest approach. It shows no regard for the consequences and the impact on a dedicated workforce and a supportive industrial and commercial base. It is a decision that shows contempt for the loyalty of the public in the mid-west region. Heathrow is our closest gateway to the global economy, giving the mid-west region one-stop connectivity with over 200 destinations across the globe. Renewal or replacement of the Heathrow slots is imperative to ensure that the mid-west is not saddled with a major disadvantage in a world where international connectivity is a crucial element in gaining economic advantage. It is crucial that the current negotiations to restore connectivity to Heathrow are successful.

In the Shannon region we have advanced internal infrastructure and telecommunications. We have one of the most productive, skilled and educated workforces in the world. We must ensure that international companies can access them and that domestic enterprises can effectively export the produce of their collective talents. Management of Aer Lingus has publicly stated its position in trenchant terms. It is blatantly dismissive of reasoned logical argument against its position and is openly confrontational.

Even if the Government were successful in calling an extraordinary general meeting, it is the advice of the Attorney General, I understand, that the board of Aer Lingus would not be bound to follow any resolutions seeking to reverse its business decisions. In these legal circumstances it is clear that any attempt to overturn the decision would be fraught with legalities leading to protracted contentious and divisive proceedings, the negativity of which would ultimately damage the future of Shannon and the region. As Deputy Róisín Shortall pointed out in the privatisation debate that took place in the House last year, it is also likely that the European Commission would rule against the Government exercising a so-called controlling share in such a manner.

I fear that forcing the board of Aer Lingus to reverse its decision could be a futile exercise. The company will not embrace a forced decision with the necessary enthusiasm of commitment to ensure its success. A decision in such circumstances would gradually be undermined by the management of Aer Lingus.

Arising from this debate and the obvious cross-party concern that exists, it is to be hoped that Aer Lingus will accept the error of its decision and willingly review its stance, agree to renew the route and actively promote activity between Shannon and Heathrow. If Aer Lingus fails to respond positively we should provide the conditions and incentives to guarantee an immediate replacement carrier. International connectivity to the Shannon region is not optional. It is an absolute necessity.

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