Western Leaders Call For Shannon Reversal

Not To Do So Would "Jeopardize" Western Economy

A coalition of leading rural development organisations from the West of Ireland has called on the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to use his influence to ensure the retention of services between Shannon International Airport and London-Heathrow.

Following a meeting in Dublin this morning, representatives of 12 LEADER organisations from Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Mayo, Cork, Limerick and Galway, warned that the future of regional development in Ireland is jeopardised by Aer Lingus' decision to withdraw the service

In a formal submission to Minister Eamon O'Cuiv the group has highlighted that the success of their work at local level depends on the long-term provision of strategic services and direct access to global markets.

"The government needs to demonstrate its commitment to the economic development of our areas by supporting the provision of key strategic services and in particular through the implementation of its own regional development policies," explained spokesperson Shay Riordan, Manager of West Limerick Resources Ltd.

Mr. Riordan added, "We believe in the necessity for strategically important services to be retained in rural areas, particularly those which provide access to the wider world. Rural development cannot be sustained on local markets alone. Connectivity to global markets, whether business or tourism, is without question an essential rural service."

"If this decision is allowed to stand, then we must conclude that any other strategically important service can, in the future, be taken away from the regions, simply because it can make greater profits elsewhere.

"Where the government has the power to influence the outcome, this cannot be allowed to happen.

"The share price of a private company cannot be put before the economic prosperity of the regions," he stated.

Mr. Riordan confirmed that the group of LEADER organisations has formally requested Minister O'Cuiv, as Minister for Rural Development at the cabinet table, to use his position in the months ahead to actively support the retention of the Heathrow slots for Shannon.

"Efforts by some interests to downplay the significance of this route are directly contrary to the strongly held and better-informed belief of business and tourism leaders in the region.

"This view is supported by state bodies, the local authorities, local development organisations and community interests," concluded Mr. Riordan.

LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Development d'Economie Rurale) is an European Union Community Initiative, which fosters links between actions and initiatives for the development of the rural economy and promotes a bottom up strategy for Rural Development.

LEADER in Ireland covers almost all of the country with the exception of major cities namely, the major urban areas of Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Waterford city and Galway city.