Call to extend local airfield with aer lingus sale proceeds

Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath James Bannon has called for the proceeds raised from the selling of Aer Lingus to be used to upgrade smaller regional airfields like Abbeyshrule Airfield,

Speaking during the Dail debates on the sale of Aer Lingus, Deputy Bannon said “An example of a regional airfield with excellent potential is Abbeyshrule Airstrip. Recently, we had the outstanding news that CentreParcs are planning to establish a new holiday resort in NewcastleWoods. Not only will this provide 1,700 new jobs, but CentreParcs also offers an opportunity to create a valuable infrastructural development for the Midlands by expanding the Abbeyshrule Airstrip.

“A feasibility study of the airfield was carried out in recent years. This study indicated that an extension to the existing runway could turn the airfield into a commercial hub for the region.

“At a time when tourism figures are increasing, easy access to the natural amenities and the unique heritage of the counties that border the Shannon and have so much to offer tourists, anglers, boating and other sports enthusiasts, would make a huge difference to local development. Given the development of CentreParcs in Newcastlewoods, it is now more important than ever that the midland areas are opened up to commercial and cargo flights,' Deputy Bannon concluded.