Shannon Airport expecting 100k passenger increase this winter
Shannon Airport is expecting to increase passenger numbers through the facility by 100,000 this winter, as a result of a new investment by Ryanair.
The airline plans to add a number of new routes from the Co. Clare airport, as well as offering increased frequency on several other services.
It says it will invest €87 million in an expansion of services from Shannon this winter.
The company plans to base a fourth aircraft there, increasing flight frequency and allowing for enhanced flexibility.
New routes will be offered to Madrid, Madeira and Lapland, in addition to extra flights to existing routes.
The CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine, said the announcement would offer passengers greater choice and boost the airport's position as "a key gateway to and from the west of Ireland".
She described the investment as an endorsement of the way in which the airport could assist in addressing regional imbalance and drive economic activity across the region.
Ms Considine said there was a need for a new aviation policy to support the Airport's strategic importance and further develop its potential.
She has called on the Government to expedite a review of the Regional Airports Programme, to allow for an increase in the passenger threshold for State aid.
Ms Considine contends that an existing cap of one million passengers for such supports should be extended to three million.
Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, said the company's investment would lead to a 20% increase in the volume of passengers using the airline's services to and from Shannon.
He said the decision underpinned a commitment to regional airports and its support for tourism activity in the region.
Mr McGuinness said there was scope for further growth and said changes to the Regional Airports Programme, would allow for increased traffic to Shannon, Kerry and Ireland West Airports.
Ryanair's overall annual traffic through Shannon Airport is forecast to grow to 1.6 million passengers, as a result of today's announcement.
Speaking at the launch of the investment programme, Mr McGuinness again called on the Government to address the cap on flights into and out of Dublin airport.
While he emphasised the potential for airports outside the capital to expand, he said the issue in relation to the cap at Dublin was a separate matter and needed to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights
PASSENGERS flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of banned food and drinks before heading to the airport – or risk having their items taken away. From cold snacks to hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, the rules on what you can and can't take onboard vary between airlines – and breaking them could lead to your items being confiscated before take-off. Advertisement 4 Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport Credit: Getty 4 That's because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy are banned Credit: Getty 4 Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air Credit: Getty Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check That's because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy – including sandwiches, yoghurts or even packed lunches bought in the airport – are banned from being taken into the EU, regardless of where they were purchased. Here's a breakdown of what's banned or restricted on flights operated by the UK's biggest budget carriers: TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights lasting over seven hours. Advertisement Read more on Travel For shorter journeys, snacks and beverages can be bought onboard via a trolley service – but passengers are also allowed to bring their own food. However, TUI is clear that any food brought onboard must be 'low-risk,' such as cold snacks or pre-made sandwiches. The airline also warns it cannot heat food for passengers, aside from baby bottles. Crucially, passengers are not allowed to drink any alcohol they've brought from home or bought in duty-free – even if it's sealed. Advertisement Most read in Travel Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air. EasyJet is fairly relaxed about food onboard, and passengers are welcome to bring their own meals. However, they should be aware of liquid restrictions and destination-specific rules. According to the airline: 'You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. Advertisement "There's a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard.' Hot drinks are allowed if purchased at the airport, but they must have a secure lid to reduce the risk of burns during The airline also reminds passengers to check rules at their destination – some countries have stricter customs policies around food items. Ryanair takes a mixed approach, allowing passengers to bring their own cold food and soft drinks under its 'feel free' policy – but strictly banning hot drinks and alcohol. Advertisement The airline advises: 'In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.' That means even if you've bought alcohol in duty-free or at the airport, you won't be allowed to drink it onboard. Cabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken. Jet2 operates one of the strictest policies when it comes to food and drink. Advertisement According to the airline: 'You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft.' Passengers are also warned not to carry any items that are 'unsuitable for carriage' – this includes food that is strong-smelling, fragile or perishable, and anything that may impact the comfort or safety of others. Despite these rules, Jet2 does offer a wide selection of food and drinks for purchase during the flight, with options for most dietary requirements. 4 Cabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken Credit: Getty Advertisement
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The correct way to apply insect repellent revealed, and if you do it wrong you can expect more bites
WHETHER you're holidaying abroad of enjoying the warm UK weather, chances are mosquitoes are going to be an issue. These pesky insects can cause irritating bites, that may also pose a health risk depending on your location. 2 Avoid an easy mistake when applying your insect repellant this summer (stock image) Credit: Getty Images - Getty Make sure you're not making an easy error when applying your insect repellant this summer. And if you're travelling abroad, take extra care as bites can sometimes lead to issues such as malaria, dengue, Zika fever, and yellow fever. Bug repellents need to be applied during the day and also at night, and whether you're indoors and outdoors. You should also pay particular attention to the product's label before purchasing. Read More On Summer Hacks DEET is chemical ingredient found in most bug sprays and shoppers are advised to check for it when picking up a bottle. "A product with 50% DEET is recommended as a first choice," said official last updated in 2023. "If DEET is not tolerated, use of a repellent containing the highest strength formulation available of either icaridin (20%), eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclised or 3-ethlyaminopropionate is recommended." And whichever bug spray you opt for, make sure you're applying it at the correct time alongside your other products. Most read in Fabulous This is particularly relevant when it comes to another summer essential: suncream. The Government stressed the importance of always using bug repellant afterward you apply suncream for the most effective results. Plague of parasites that hitch a ride on flying insects and 'slurp liquid from human skin' sweep holiday hotspot You should also opt for suncreams with an SPF of 30 to 50 as DEET can reduce their potency. Most repellents need to be reapplied frequently, especially in hot weather conditions or after spending time in water. Users are encouraged to read each repellent's packaging for more specific guidance. "50% DEET is safe for those pregnant and breastfeeding and for babies older than two months," the Government's guidance explained. "Get advice before you travel from your doctor or pharmacist if your baby is aged under two months. How to prevent tick bites - and remove the bugs There are a few things you can do to lessen your likelihood of tick bites. Firstly, try and cover as much of your skin as possible while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks. You should also be using insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes and skin, and wearing light coloured clothing so you can spot a tick easily. Also stick to paths where possible when you're out walking. How can I remove a tick safely? To remove a tick safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. The chance of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell. If either of these happen, make sure to see a GP so you can get treatment as soon a possible. "Take insect repellents with you—in case of shortages at your destination." You can also make use of other steps to prevent bites, including wearing long-sleeved clothing and treating nets with insecticide. These are particularly important in situations where you might be sleeping outdoors or in a space without air conditioning. "Check your net for rips and tuck the ends under the mattress," the Government advised. "There may also be a risk of bites from ticks and other insects; the same protective measures will help reduce bites from these too." 2 Make sure to apply suncream before you spray on your bug repellant this summer (stock image) Credit: Getty
Extra.ie
8 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Backlash at Jack Chambers's purge to fund fast-track infrastructure projects
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers is facing a backlash from Cabinet colleagues over a spending 'purge' to fund an expansion of housing and water infrastructure, has learned. Sources this weekend said ministers are growing increasingly rebellious over Mr Chambers's inter-departmental review of Government spending. One minister told 'It's a purge – there is no other way to describe it. This is all about funding a big-bang style announcement on housing and water in the autumn.' Jack Chambers. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Mr Chambers is heading the new Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, made up of experts from key State agencies, including Uisce Éireann, the ESB, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. His remit will be to break down infrastructure barriers that block the delivery of housing and public projects, and to secure the significant extra funding required. The Central Bank has said an additional €7bn is needed if the Government is to deliver an average of 54,000 new homes a year. The Central Bank of Ireland. Pic: 4H4 PH/Shutterstock Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann has warned it will need €12.3bn over the next five years to upgrade our leaking water infrastructure. In an indication of the scale of the funding challenge, one minister commented that the €13bn Apple tax windfall 'is only a downpayment on what is required'. They told 'The cost is going to be incredible. It's all about gathering up as much as can be found for housing, water, ESB, power and transport; these are the only things that matter. If it ruffles a few feathers, that's unfortunate.' Pic:Referring to mounting public and political dissatisfaction over missed housing targets, the Cabinet source said: 'We are in last throw-of-the-dice country. There is an updated housing plan, a Summer Economic Statement, a budget and a revised National Development Plan. It's like the bad old days. The minister [Chambers] ' is looking for money everywhere.' However, not all of Mr Chambers's Cabinet colleagues are happy with the impact his spending 'purge' is having on their own coffers. One senior Government source said: 'There is a huge tightening coming. Cutback time is on the way, is the message.' Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The source said there have been 'wars in [the departments of] Health, in Education, in Higher Education, in Culture' over the spending cutbacks, with particular tensions between Mr Chambers and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media over the sixmonth extension of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. One senior Coalition source told 'There was fur and hair flying. The Gradgrinds in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform wanted to abolish it; [but] the minister, Patrick O'Donovan dug in; hence the artists got a six-month stay of execution.' They added: 'There will be a lot more yelping before we get to the final allocations of cash in July.' Patrick O'Donovan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos But apart from housing, political concern is growing over the long-term consequences of the 37% growth in Government spending since 2021. One minister warned: 'The truth is there's been a lot of waste. The intent of Mr Chambers and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to ensure the money goes on transport, housing, water and power. 'We have to spend on political necessities – no more luxuries.' Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins added: 'The time to make tough, durable decisions for the common good is now. 'This Government is acutely aware of the need to chart new, more effective forms of governance and will not be deflected from this challenge.' Ministers also remain divided on the ability of Housing Minister James Browne to manage the accelerating accommodation crisis. One senior Government figure noted: 'No one knows who is running anything really. Technically, James Browne is in charge of Housing, but really, it is the Taoiseach [Micheál Martin] and Jack Chambers. It's a triumvirate, with Fine Gael being on the sidelines.' Another source added: 'It is utterly chaotic. Micheál is trying to run the department, but he doesn't know what is going on. James, who knows what is going on, can't fully run the department because Micheál and Jack Chambers are actually running it, but he can't say it… It's not an example of good governance.' However, some ministers were more supportive of Mr Browne. One Cabinet member said: 'He is evolving in the job. He inherited a desert. His problem is he can't bluff, but possibly after [former housing minister] Darragh O'Brien, that's a bonus.' Another source added: 'He is delivering at an increasing pace. RPZ [the move to make every county in the country a Rent Pressure Zone] was never going to have a happy ending. He managed it as best anyone could.' The source said the choice of former HSE boss Paul Reid as chair of the new planning authority to replace An Bord Pleanála was 'clever? Small things first.'
