The meeting, which will take place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 at the Radisson SAS Hotel, has been welcomed by Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, who says it is especially welcome in light of the impact on tourism in the West. 

“As a new Oireachtas member, I am delighted that the parliamentary party are meeting in Galway. It is most especially welcome in light of the Shannon crisis and its impact on business and tourism in the West of Ireland. Enda Kenny has confirmed to me that we will be using the meeting to formulate a motion on the Shannon crisis to take onto the floor of the Dail and the Seanad. This is very welcome news,” she said.

Senator Healy Eames said she has met with many parties directly involved in the controversial decision by Aer Lingus and that the government will create ‘massive risk’ if they allow it to go ahead.

“Our motion will be in the form of a private members' resolution, which will call the members of the government to account in the Dáil and the Seanad. There is little point in the 25 per cent shareholding being kept by the government unless they plan to use it to protect our interests. This is no longer a West of Ireland whinge; it is a national issue. Bearing in mind that the Board of Aer Lingus has said that the Heathrow slots are more suitable for long-haul, if the government don't act now it is quite likely that the Heathrow slots in Cork, Dublin and Belfast will also be at risk. Down the line, we may be looking at an Irish airline foreign-based.”

Senator Healy Eames also called on local TDs to stand up and be counted and show where their allegiance lies.

“This is a national crisis and the Fianna Fáil led government of the day must be called to account for what is government policy. Government policy on the national airline and on regional development. Our motion will see where their allegiance lies: with Aer Lingus who wants to leave the West of Ireland or with the people and the world-class business of the West. Local government TDs will have to stand up and be counted.”

Meanwhile, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) members on the western seaboard have also expressed deep concern about the recent Aer Lingus decision to end its Shannon Heathrow service. VFI members in Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Galway are calling on the airline to reconsider its decision and review its position.

“The Aer Lingus decision has come as a devastating blow to the region. The loss of this vital link to Heathrow, the largest hub in Western Europe, will severely impact on the local business community and their ability to operate on the global marketplace. It will also have a negative affect on tourism, limiting access to the region. We are urging the airline to reconsider their decision,” said Martin Tubridy, of the Clare VFI.

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