Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has called on Aer Lingus to rethink the decision to close its Cargo facility in Shannon Airport.

Responding to the sudden announcement by Aer Lingus that it will close the facility later this year, Senator Gavan said:

“This announcement has come as dreadful shock to the 18 staff involved – many of whom have given a lifetime of service to Aer Lingus.

“The facility has been in place since 1969, and will be a significant loss to the airport. I would urge the company to re-think the decision, especially in the light of the improving commercial climate in Shannon.

“If the decision does go ahead the company must engage fully with SIPTU to see how many jobs can be saved through redeployment.

“There must also be a generous redundancy package put in place that respects the many years of loyal service that local employees have given to the company.

“According to Aer Lingus a key determinant in the decision was the fact that over 95 per cent of all Shannon cargo travels by road to fly in or out of Dublin, which speaks again to the huge imbalance in aviation policy.

“We urgently need government to address this by ensuring that much greater priority is given to Shannon Airport and to end the situation where Shannon is pitted in direct competition against Dublin Airport, which currently has 88 percent of all flights leaving the island.”