Cork Chamber has strongly urged the Government to oppose the sale of Aer Lingus in light of growing concerns regarding the absence of guarantees around the safe-guarding of the Cork-Heathrow slots or any other information relating to International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) longer-term plans for the airline. The Cork-Heathrow slots are a critical piece of business infrastructure for the Cork region. Heathrow is the principal connection to Cork’s largest trading partner, the UK and is the leading access point to the globe from a business perspective.

Additionally, Cork Chamber has welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Transport, Mr. Paschal Donohoe T.D. that the government is establishing an interdepartmental group to consider the implications of this potential sale. Cork Chamber has also strongly advocated to the Government that it is essential that the terms of reference of this group include a requirement to report specifically on the impact and implications of any sale on Cork Airport. It is clear that a broad national overview would not be sufficient and would not acknowledge the growing concerns across the Cork business and tourism community which reflect the incalculable importance of connectivity to London Heathrow, which is an intrinsic core of Cork’s business and tourism infrastructure.