Crowe expresses concern at Aer Lingus plans to cut Shannon cargo operations

–                  Crowe says Aer Lingus must fulfil statutory obligations for workers and families

–                  Announcement has ‘serious ramifications’ for wider MidWest manufacturing industry

Clare’s Fianna Fail TD has expressed concern at the news that Aer Lingus are to close operations at its cargo facility at Shannon Airport in the coming months.

According to Deputy Crowe: “I’ve been contacted by a number of workers in the Aer Lingus facility in Shannon. They’re devastated to hear from their central management in Aer Lingus that this facility is being earmarked for permanent closure.

“Whilst a closure date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that it could lead to the loss of 19 jobs at the facility.

“The workers I have spoken to are naturally very worried about their futures and are expected to meet with union representatives in the coming days.

“This is a major blow for the workers and their families and I will be using my political voice to ensure that Aer Lingus are held fully to account and fulfil all statutory obligations to their employees.

“I hope that redeployment packages will also be offered to workers who wish to remain with Aer Lingus in Shannon.

“Beyond the Aer Lingus cargo workforce in Shannon, this has serious ramifications for the region. Many manufacturing plants in the MidWest depend on the Aer Lingus cargo facility to transit their products globally. They now have to scramble to find alternative solutions and I will be asking Aer Lingus to engage with Shannon Airport management and groups representing industry and commerce in the region to ensure alternative cargo distribution facilities can be available at Shannon Airport.

“Successive governments have sold off state shares in the Aer Lingus company to the point that the State no longer has any shares. Aer Lingus is now centrally managed by the parent AIG company, which is headquartered in Madrid and decisions taken by this company are at all times made on economic grounds rather than the need for regionally balanced development that the Aer Lingus company was once guided by.