Dooley Questions Government On Shannon Cargo Operations

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:15

Written by Pat Flynn

Fianna Fáil's Transport spokesman, Timmy Dooley has said he can't believe the Government has not yet spoken to the US authorities about extending cargo pre-clearance at Shannon Airport.

Earlier this year, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and Government confirmed plans to release the funding necessary for the Lynx Cargo hub at Shannon Airport while in September, it was confirmed that an agreement between the DAA and the Lynx Cargo Group has been signed.

However, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed in the Dáil that neither he nor any of his Government colleagues have spoken directly with key figures in the US administration about extending the ‘pre-clearance’ facilities to cargo operations at Shannon. Deputy Dooley Timmy Dooley has reacted with disbelief to the news.

“Fine Gael and Labour made much noise prior to the election about the potential for cargo facilities at Shannon Airport but since coming to office their Government colleagues have failed to deliver any meaningful progress and in this instance the Minister concerned hasn’t even picked up the phone to his counterpart in the US," Deputy Dooley has said.

“Pre-clearance of cargo at Irish airports can contribute to growth and employment. Shannon Airport is ideally placed to meet the opportunities that arise in this area. I am calling on the Minister to ensure political contact is now made between Government and the US Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of Transportation," the opposition transport spokesman added.

“This is a viable project which is supported by logistics companies worldwide. Lynx has indicated a willingness to participate in developing facilities in Shannon. It is making its investment on the basis of the potential for long-term gains from the pre-clearance of cargo. This is a fantastic opportunity to generate employment and I want to see it regarded as a priority issue for this Government in its contacts with the US.”

The Ireland-US pre-clearance agreement was signed by Ireland and the United States in November 2008. It provides for the pre-clearance of commercial aircraft as well as general aviation, both private and business aircraft.

Deputy Dooley said: “The capacity exists at Shannon to transform it into a major cargo hub for Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Imagine the employment potential and competitive advantage Ireland would have if all cargo aircraft bound for various cities in the US from across the world could be inspected and pre-cleared in Ireland."

“I believe the very good relationship Ireland has with the US can assist in moving this issue forward and if needs be this should form part of the political discussions to be held next year as part of the St. Patrick’s Day meetings in Washington in the Spring,” the Deputy concluded.