The decision of the US Transportation Department to grant approval to Norwegian Air to commence low cost flights between Ireland and the United States presents “huge opportunities” for Shannon Airport, its customers, and tourism and business interests in the West of Ireland.
That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Councillor Bill Chambers described the granting of the permit as a “potential game changer” for the County Clare airport in its ongoing efforts to expand the range of transatlantic services provided.
He said, “An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s suggestion that Shannon could be a possible beneficiary of the US Transportation Departments decision is encouraging. It is important that the region’s tourism interests, business lobby groups, multinationals, local authorities, political representatives and of course, the wider public make their collective voice heard as management at Shannon Airport and Norwegian respond to this latest development. “
“The proposition of low fare flights to the United States will be welcomed by consumers and business interests across the West of Ireland,” added Cllr. Chambers. “We should not underestimate however, the huge potential draw for business interests and US tourists of being provided with low cost access to a region that is already popular amongst American tourists and is home to many US multinationals.”
The Chief Executive of Clare County Council has also welcomed the US Transportation Department’s approval of a permit.
Mr. Pat Dowling stated, “Clare County Council has identified the importance of a thriving Shannon International Airport as a key element of its economic strategy for County Clare and the wider region.
He continued, “Building on the continued expansion of services at Shannon Airport and the Local Authority’s supporting role in this success, Clare County Council is committed to playing a leading role in supporting and promoting Shannon’s status as a premier international airport, a catalyst of regional growth, a gateway into Ireland for American visitors, and one of the key reasons for multinationals choosing to invest in County Clare and the Mid-West Region.”
“I want to congratulate Shannon Group plc for having the foresight to begin exploratory talks with Norwegian in 2014. It is this type of forward planning that will see Shannon Airport expand further and continue to deliver for customers and the economy of County Clare and the wider region in years to come,” concluded Mr. Dowling.