The Shannon Airport Group Annual Report and Accounts 2024

Annual Report and Accounts | 2024

CHAIR’S STATEMENT

CONAL HENRY CHAIR

The Shannon Airport Group has made significant strides in 2024, under the exemplary leadership of our CEO and the unwavering dedication of staff, but we must address the broader context of Ireland’s aviation landscape. The rapid and unmanaged growth at Dublin Airport has created a single point of failure, with the airport operating consistently at or beyond capacity. This over-reliance on one airport exposes the State to considerable economic vulnerability and hinders meaningful regional development, competition, and equitable distribution of economic benefits. The imbalance is stark: Dublin Airport handles 84% of Ireland’s airport traffic, while Shannon Airport, serving a catchment area with 38% of the national population, accounts for just over 5% of the traffic. Over 5 million passengers annually use Dublin Airport despite being closer to Shannon, exacerbating capacity issues in Dublin. Government intervention is crucial to ensure balanced regional development. Shannon Airport is a key element of the national solution, offering resilience and contingency to the overall aviation system. With

large unrealised capacity, Shannon can comfortably accommodate a further 3 million passengers and has the potential to grow even further with minimal infrastructural changes. Our U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance facility is a significant competitive advantage, enabling new direct routes to over 160 U.S. airports. This is not about capping Dublin; it’s about unlocking the potential of our entire national airport network and relieving some of the congestion currently being experienced at Dublin. I welcome the Government’s commitment in their Programme for Government to review National Aviation Policy. The current policy, predating Project Ireland 2040, has failed to address the severe imbalance in the aviation landscape. Research indicates that spatial rebalancing is unlikely without intervention. European studies show greater economic benefits from dispersing traffic to regional airports. Government policy must urgently support this transition to a low- carbon society by optimising existing capacity at all state airports.

In parallel to this we must have improved transport links to Shannon and priority should be given by Government to significantly expanding the transport infrastructure, including setting a timeline for the development and delivery of a direct rail connection to Shannon Airport. In the immediate term, support should be provided for a Shannon bus service which provides regular, direct and reliable services to major cities and towns in the region. Strong reliable transport links will make Shannon more accessible and competitive, fully supporting its growth. In conclusion, Shannon Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in rebalancing Ireland’s aviation landscape, alleviating congestion at Dublin Airport, and delivering balanced regional development. We urge the new Government to act decisively to ensure a sustainable and resilient aviation future for Ireland.

Conal Henry, Chair, The Shannon Airport Group