"Independent management for Ireland's Shannon Airport opposed"

Tuesday, October 8, 2002

Independent management for Shannon Airport opposed
The Irish Times


The Mid-West Regional Authority yesterday came out against any move to
establish a completely independent management structure at Shannon
Airport or to privatise the airport. 

Instead the authority opted to recommend to Minister for Transport, Mr
Brennan, that Shannon be retained under Aer Rianta ownership but with a
regional management board. 

The move by the regional authority already has the backing of the
Shannon Airport Western Alliance and Clare County Council. The authority
believes that in relation to any move to make Shannon completely
independent, 'too many questions need to be answered'. 

Though it is the favoured option of Shannon Development, the authority
said with a completely independent Shannon, 'the timing is not right and
the aviation industry remains uncertain'. 

Authority director Mr Thomas Kirby said that the ability of Shannon to
survive on its own is not clear. 

Mr Kirby also said there is a change needed in the management structure
at Shannon and that Shannon Airport should be allowed more independence
and autonomy. 

The authority agreed that any new regional board should have political
representation, while it should also comprise of commercial and aviation
experts.


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