Local Government Representatives From 26 Counties Call For Aer Lingus To Comply With Government Poli

The elected representatives and officials of Ireland's Town and City Councils made the call at the 94th Annual Conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (A.M.A.I.), being held this week in New Ross, County Wexford.

The A.M.A.I. members also unanimously called on the Government to ensure guaranteed quality connectivity for Shannon, Cork, and Dublin airports with London-Heathrow.

The call follows a motion proposed by the Mayors of Clare, Shannon and Ennis in light of Aer Lingus's recent decision to axe services between Shannon International Airport and London-Heathrow.

According to Cllr. Paddy O'Callaghan, AMAI President and Member of Tramore Town Council and Waterford County Council, "This Conference recognises the strategic location of Ireland, an island nation. Therefore, all representatives present have unanimously agreed to call on the Government to ensure guaranteed quality connectivity for Shannon, Cork, and Dublin airports with London-Heathrow, as outlined in the Prospectus and Articles of Association for the Aer Lingus IPO."

Speaking following the unanimous support for a motion proposed by Clare Local Authorities, Cllr. O'Callaghan added, "Members also agree that the Government, in accordance with commitments and guarantees given in and to the Dáil, takes all necessary steps to ensure that Aer Lingus complies with Government Policy. This is especially pertinent considering the commitments made under the National Development Plan, the National Spatial Strategy and Government policy on Balanced Regional Development."

Commenting on Aer Lingus's recent announcement regarding services from Shannon to Heathrow, he explained, "The Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland calls for the link to be fully reinstated in the interests of balanced regional development. The Authority is also adamant that all existing services from Dublin and Cork to London-Heathrow be ring fenced. This Government must now make definite movement on these issues and also provide assurances that other projects and initiatives are delivered to secure balanced regional development."

"Any failure to ring fence these slots is one that will ultimately hit facilities such as Shannon Airport that rely on links to major international hubs. By protecting important strategic air links, this Government will help protect thousands of jobs throughout the country", concluded Cllr. O'Callaghan.

The 94th Annual Conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland continues until Saturday 15th September in the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, County Wexford.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Paddy O'Callaghan, AMAI President is available for interview (087-2057365). For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
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