Claims Underuse Of Shannon Airport An "Own Goal" For Irish Economy

Clare FM

The Department of Transport is facing increased pressure to ensure Shannon Airport's available space is utilised amid capacity issues at Dublin. Minister James Lawless is due to meet Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary today to discuss alternative options over warnings that airfares will hit record levels this Christmas, with airlines forced to divert from Dublin due to the airport's controversial passenger cap. Last year, Dublin Airport accounted for 85% of all Irish air traffic and welcomed just below 32 million passengers, while this year Shannon remains on course to welcome 2 million passengers for the first time since 2009. Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan insists the imbalance is severely hindering tourism and economic growth in this county.