Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We had devastating breaking news at lunchtime that Aer Lingus, having operated its Shannon base for seven decades, has announced it will now permanently close its base there, with 81 cabin crew offered severance or transfer to its Dublin base and a similar impact for the 45 ground crew. I ask the State to intervene in this matter for jobs, for connectivity and for our region. This is absolutely devastating beyond belief. I ask that from the heart of the Government the Taoiseach says something positive today about engagement and how he and the Cabinet can lead and negotiate with Aer Lingus. We need them in the region. We need that connectivity out of Shannon Airport.

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