The Shannon-Heathrow controversy 29.08.07
The Shannon-Heathrow stuff for Wednesday goes here.
First up, our petition watch, The online Petition set up by Ray Toumey now has 12,860 signatures. If you have friends or family that haven’t signed it yet, please ask them to do so.
Just an edit to bring this to your attention. From the Clare People Newspaper’s Youtube channel
Claims in the Limerick Chronicle today that British Midland (BMI) are at an advanced stage in negotiations with the Shannon Airport Authority to provide a Shannon-Heathrow service are being downplayed both by BMI and Shannon.
Shannon’s Airport Authority have said that they are in talks with several airlines including BMI with a view to acquire a Shannon-Heathrow service.
In an interview on the INN news service, CEO of British Airways, Willie Walshe, has also indicated that he would be open to the possibility of running the route.
Aer Lingus today held it’s first board meeting to tecide on what to do about Michael O’Leary’s request to hold an Extraordinary meeting which, if held, would put a proposal to reverse the Shannon-Heathrow decision to a vote, as well as the moving of some of Aer Lingus’ Gatwick routes from Dublin, to Belfast. A decision was not reached at this meeting, however, it is likely that whether or not they will hold an EGM will be decided by the end of the week.
From Ocean FM (Sligo)
North West Independent MEP Marian Harkin is calling on the Government to guarantee that Aer Lingus will not cease it’s Shannon to Heathrow service until an alternative has been provided.
Her comments come as a delegation from the Shannon Connectivity Alliance is going to Brussels today for key talks with EU officials concerning the future of Shannon airport
Tainiste Brian Cowen addresses the Shannon-Heathrow controversy while speaking at the Humbert School in Mayo.
If you wish to be bored by the details, click here. but to cut a long story short he said
1) Buying up Heathrow slots by the government was not an option as they would not come up for lease for some time.
2) Willie O’Dea was just reflecting the views of the local people he represents, however the Transport Minister Noel Dempsey was giving the government position on the matter.
3) He denied claims that the Taoiseach was behind negative publicity being churned out by Independent newspapers about the Shannon-Heathrow controversy.
Anyway, the Cabinet is due to hold it’s first meeting after the summer holidays today, which should prove to be interesting.
More later…