Shannon Group chair resignation leaves questions

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  • Pádraig Ó Céidigh has stepped down after six months
  • Leaves fresh uncertainty for Shannon Group

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe is calling for representatives of Shannon Group and the Department of Transport to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee to discuss the path forward for Shannon Group.

Last night, it was confirmed that Pádraig Ó Céidigh has resigned from his role as Chairman of the Shannon Group after just six months.

“I, like so many people in this region with high interest and concern for Shannon Airport, saw huge hope in Ó Céidigh’s appointment,” said Deputy Crowe.

“We need to know why he is no longer able to fulfil his role and also appoint a suitable replacement ASAP.

“Mr Ó Céidigh, who founded Aer Arann in 1970, took up the role in September after it had been left vacant for a period of 13 months.

“His decades of experience in aviation led to renewed hope for Shannon Airport – I had significant optimism for the airport’s future and had hoped we would see a return to the glory days of the 1990s.

“I’ve written to the chairperson of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Deputy Kieran O’Donnell, to suggest that we urgently summon Mr Ó Céidigh, Mary Considine and Fintan Towey, Assistant Secretary for Aviation in the Department of Transport, to appear before our committee to discuss the reasons behind this resignation and the pathway forward in terms of a replacement.

“Shannon Airport enjoyed bumper passenger numbers last weekend and overall is making good inroads in terms of recovery to pre-Covid levels of operation.

“A strong character, with an aviation background, is urgently needed to drive on this recovery and we need to strike while the iron is hot here.”

-ENDS-