The impact of Brexit on Ireland’s aerospace sector will be discussed at an event next week which will be attended by the CEO of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
With the Government currently hosting All-Ireland Sectoral Dialogues to assess how the UK’s decision to exit the EU may impact Ireland at different levels, Shannon Chamber of Commerce has decided to take a similar approach as it relates to the aerospace sector.
Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “As highlighted in the National Aviation Policy for Ireland, published in 2015, aviation plays a crucial role in Ireland’s economy and, as an island nation, we are more dependent on aviation than our trading partners.”
“The 2015 report pointed to the overall value of the sector to Ireland’s economy. €4.1bn to our GDP; €1.9bn directly from aviation; €1.3bn through the supply chain and €0.9bn from associated spending by people employed in aviation.
It supports 26,000 jobs directly and a further 16,000 in the supply chain. Ireland’s tourism, which is dependent on aviation, accounts for a further €5.3bn contribution to GDP and 180,000 jobs,” Ms Downes said.
“Shannon is an important contributor to these metrics, hence our decision to invite Eamonn Brennan, CEO of the IAA, to share his views on any potential impact the UK’s departure from the EU might have on aviation at a European and Irish level.
The IAA manages Irish controlled airspace, the safety regulation of Irish civil aviation and the oversight of civil aviation security in Ireland, and therefore can present on issues as diverse as traffic rights, nationality of airlines, consumer protection, the environment, safety regulations and ownership and control limitations,” she added.
The IAA is a commercial semi-state company employing approximately 650 people at six locations around Ireland.
400 of these are employed in its Ballycasey Centre near Shannon Airport and a further 70 in Ballygirreen a short distance away near Newmarket-on-Fergus. Eighty-five per cent (85%) of its €180m turnover is derived from its Shannon operations.
Ms Downes said: “It’s a very relevant topic for us here in Shannon and I am delighted that the Shannon Group have also come on board for this breakfast briefing as both sponsor and presenter. Aviation is intrinsic to Shannon and we have to assess and prepare for any impact or indeed positive opportunities the UK’s exit may present.”
This breakfast briefing entitled ‘The implications of Brexit on aviation in Ireland and Shannon’ will take place on Thursday, 9 February from 8am – 9.30am at the Inn at Dromoland