Some Welcome Good News for Shannon

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the signing of a Heads of Agreement between the Shannon Airport Authority and the Lynxs Cargo Group, which proposes building a new cargo facility at the airport.

The Minister said he fully supports the project which has significant economic potential for the Shannon region and for Ireland.

The Heads of Agreement signed by Shannon Airport and Lynxs Cargo, a global airport cargo facility company, proposes the construction of new cargo warehouse facilities at Shannon Airport.

The two parties have been in negotiation on this project since 2009.

Minister Varadkar said: ‘I am very happy that Ray Brimble, CEO of the Lynxs Group, is in Ireland to sign this Heads of Agreement with Shannon Airport Authority. I hope it will lead to a dynamic business partnership to develop and expand the air cargo business through Shannon. This would benefit the airport, the entire mid-west region and the national economy’. “I see great scope for the development of the air cargo business in Shannon. The airport has a significant industrial hinterland, with a large volume of high-value products transported by air. But a very significant proportion of air cargo, around 80%, is currently taken out of Ireland by road in order to flown onwards from airports outside the country. This is something I would particularly like to see addressed by Shannon airport.

“The signing of this Heads of Agreement confirms the continued commitment of both parties to further develop the valuable air cargo market. Shannon’s lengthy runway means it can take very heavy cargo-bearing aircraft, unlike many other airports, giving it a unique capacity to exploit air cargo. “I would like to wish both parties to the venture every success in the future.”