Fianna Fáil TD for Clare, Cathal Crowe has expressed his shock at the news that Ryanair is to close its Shannon and Cork operations for the winter.
Ryanair made the announcement this morning saying the move comes as the airline cuts capacity over the winter season from 60% to 40% compared to last year.
Deputy Crowe said: “There is a tooth and nail fight on to protect Shannon Airport and the jobs of so many people who work there for airlines and the airport authority but this morning’s news makes the challenge ahead of us all the greater
“News that Ryanair is set to close its Shannan and Cork bases this winter is a huge blow across both counties and has left many people fearful for their futures. Although Covid-19 has grounded so many flights these past few months, I am shocked that Ryanair have followed through with a threat to pull out.
“Last week Ryanair’s Eddie Wilson came before the Oireachtas Transport Committee demanding that Ireland fully adopt the EU ‘traffic light system’ for a safe return to international flying. It was understood that this would allow Ryanair to begin to more properly plan routes and schedules for the months ahead.
“The ‘traffic light system’ and Ryanair’s major ask has been met; but now, within a few short hours, they are announcing this closure. They clearly intend to use the new EU protocols to fly the more lucrative routes in / out of Dublin, Stansted, but not Shannon and Cork,” concluded Deputy Crowe.