Shannon Group boss Matthew Thomas announced his attention to build a hangar to help the Clare airport rival Dublin Airport, starting in 2018.
Speaking to the Clare County Council on Monday, Thomas lamented that the government’s policy favoured Dublin Airport, and had seen the capital city’s airport increase it’s market share to 87% this year. This is a marked increase on 2005, when Dublin Airport had 72% of the market share.
The Shannon Group CEO also expressed ambitions to further invest in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, attractions for which the group is also responsible. According to the Limerick Post, Mr. Thomas said “They say they have a limited pot of money but we are hoping to make Bunratty a top-flight attraction in Ireland.”
In 2016, Shannon Airport saw footfall of roughly 1.7 million passengers compared to over 27 million in Dublin. Thomas lashed out at government policy in the area, calling it “very immature.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
