Kerry County Council has reacted to and issued a statement in response to the sobering news this morning of the announcement by Stobart Air that it has ceased operations.
The announcement has lead to the immediate cancellation of the Kerry to Dublin air travel route.
Critical to the Economy
“The Kerry to Dublin route is critical to the economy of the county, creating national and international links and ensuring the continued development of business and tourism in Kerry,” according to the statement.
A Significant Blow
“The loss of the route at a time when the country is beginning to re-open is a significant blow.
“Kerry County Council has full confidence in the future of Kerry Airport and will work closely with airport management to ensure the quick restoration of this key route and the future development of further air traffic routes into the county,” the statement ended.
Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald
Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald, commenting on the sudden announcement said that it’s a huge loss for the area and the county as a whole.
“I am calling on the parties involved to do their utmost to find a replacement and to secure the jobs of those working in Kerry Airport,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald.
Deputy Michael Healy Rae
Deputy Michael Healy Rae has said that the Government needs to step up to the plate following this morning’s news by Stobart Air that it has ceased trading and is in the process of appointing a liquidator.
“This news really puts regional airports into big danger and the future of Kerry Airport needs to be reassured to the area with action.
“We have seen plenty inaction from Government polices when it comes to dealing with the international connectivity for regional airports – but with the loss of Stobart Air it has only sped up the need for action” Deputy Michael Healy Rae said.
Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae
Meanwhile Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae who represents the local electoral area in which Kerry Airport is based has said that international connectivity is the only way for Kerry Airport to survive and he said this is something that he campaigned for during the last local election.
A Jewel in the Crown
“Kerry Airport really is a jewel in the crown of aviation transport if it were to secure a number of European hubs in which it would be easier to connect with Kerry and onto the Wild Atlantic Way.
“Not only can it secure jobs but it will once again be an access point to getting more tourism into the south west once we safely navigate our way out of Covid. We need to be ready to go when everything gets safety opened,” said Cllr. Healy Rae.
Cllr. Bobby O’Connell
Cllr. Bobby O’Connell said that while the news is devastating for the whole region, it is a situation that demands immediate action from all the parties concerned.
“We know that the airline industry is one of those badly hit by the pandemic over the past 15 months, but this is a very serious matter for the entire Kerry area, the whole south west region and the Wild Atlantic Way is all caught up is this,” said Cllr. O’Connell.
Cllr. Charlie Farrelly
“I am flabbergasted by this news today. Aer Lingus will have to be asked to sit down with all concerned to talk out the problems and see what can be done about the situation we now find ourselves in.
“I mean, this is the future of Kerry Airport we’re talking about here. This is the future of the county’s tourism industry and everything that’s rolled into it.
“There must be an immediate action plan put in place to get the Kerry Airport back on its feet as the alternative is not an option,” said Cllr Farrelly.
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