(1888PressRelease)
September 27, 2007 - Dublin, IRELAND, - The Mayor of Clare has expressed disappointment that a Government motion on the Shannon to Heathrow issue has been postponed until tomorrow after Fine Gael tabled the first ever motion of no confidence in Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Cllr. Patricia McCarthy said that close to three hundred objectors to Aer Lingus's decision to drop services between Shannon and Heathrow today travelled to Dublin to voice their unreserved opposition to the move.
She explained, "Business, political, tourism and community leaders, along with members of the public from all over Ireland, made the journey to Dublin with the understanding that the first full Government debate on the issue would take place today. This is now not going to happen, which is bitterly disappointing for all concerned."
"This frustration is further compounded by the fact that the people of the West of Ireland have waited for over two months to attend and hear the first full Government debate on the matter", continued the Mayor.
However, Mayor McCarthy expressed confidence that today's presence inside and outside Dáil Eireann succeeded in sending a clear message to the Government that action was now needed on the issue.
"The Government must now deliver on the clear guarantees given regarding the Heathrow slots at Dublin, Cork and Shannon, and to secure permanent and quality connectivity between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow", stated Mayor McCarthy.
She added, "Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, who professes to be acutely aware of the challenges faced by the Region as a result of the Aer Lingus move, must now bring the solution to the Dáil Chamber. Everyone concerned welcomes the ongoing discussion of the issue at national level but remain frustrated at the lack of any real movement on the issue, in terms of the long-term retention of the Shannon-Heathrow link."
Notes to Editor:
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Patricia McCarthy (087-4187132) is available for interview/comment.
For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
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