THE DEVELOPMENT of a new multimillion-euro global logistics centre for European Union humanitarian aid and an aviation education centre at Shannon airport is given priority in a new plan to revitalise the airport, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has revealed.
According to Mr Gilmore, Shannon airport has all the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a new centre where emergency food and medical supplies could be stored before they are transported to a disaster zone after a global emergency.
If, as expected, Labour and Fine Gael form the next government, Mr Gilmore pledged the new administration would be looking at a number of ways to attract new business and increase passenger numbers at the airport.
“The EU has a new role in the area of emergency aid. However, it has never put in a logistical framework to achieve this objective. The Labour Party will be looking for Shannon airport to become part of a logistical hub in the whole area of emergency aid for the EU.
“As part of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has appointed a permanent foreign affairs representative and one of the new competencies is for development aid,” Mr Gilmore added.
“Ireland has a huge experience in the area of emergency and development aid and Shannon airport can play a key role in how this aid is distributed.
“It is possible to grow business at Shannon airport and we must look at a much wider use for the airport. Shannon airport is a key piece of infrastructure in the Clare and midwest economy.”
Mr Gilmore confirmed that Labour also supported the development of the Cargo Lynx Hub in Shannon, which would also complement the provision of the humanitarian aid centre.
Asked if the Labour Party would grant autonomy to Shannon airport with debt-free status, he said he favoured the best approach to expand business but felt people were spending too much energy concentrating on administrative structures.