Independent MEP Marian Harkin has called for the Government to support airports like Shannon as Aer Lingus presses for lower charges.

Ms Harkin described the pressure by Aer Lingus for lower charges at Shannon as a "logical consequence" of the Government's decision to privatise the national airline.

"Aer Lingus will be no different to Ryanair in pressuring for every possible reduction in charges and this raises serious questions about the viability of Shannon Airport into the future," she said. In a situation where Shannon was faced with threats of withdrawal of services by Aer Lingus or Ryanair if charges were not reduced the Government would have to provide a public service route along the lines of that provided for the regional airports, she said.

As the most peripheral international airport in the EU and an essential part of the international air safety network, Shannon had special claim to EU support, she added.

"Shannon is essential from a regional and national point of view but it is its special role within the European Union that would justify the necessary PSO for the preservation of the routes which are vital to its survival. I call on the Government to be prepared to take the steps to secure permission for a PSO should Aer Lingus threaten to withdraw all services from Shannon Airport," concluded Marian Harkin.

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