If airlines were to continue to pressure airports like Shannon into uneconomic levels of charges, the Government had to consider the introduction of a Public Service Obligation mechanism to ensure their continued ability to operate.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she described the pressure by Aer Lingus for lower charges at Shannon as a logical consequence of the Government’s decision to privatise the National airline.

“Aer Lingus will be no different to Ryanair in pressuring for every possible reduction in charges and this raises serious questions about the viability of Shannon Airport into the future”, she said.  In a situation where Shannon was faced with threats of withdrawal of services by Aer Lingus or Ryanair if charges were not reduced the Government would have to provide a P.S.O. along the lines of that provided for the regional airports, she said.

As the most peripheral international airport in the EU and an essential part of the international air safety network, Shannon had special claim to EU support, she said.  “Shannon is essential from a regional and national point of view but it is it’s special role within the European Union that would justify the necessary PSO for the preservation of the routes which  are vital to it’s survival.  I call on the Government to be prepared to take the steps to secure permission for a PSO should Aer Lingus threaten to withdraw all services from Shannon Airport”, Marian Harkin MEP said.