Invest in Ireland - News - www.shannonireland.com

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT – 2009 End of Year Statement

• €15.5m investment supports approved for SFZ companies leveraging €57m in investments.
• €10.5 million invested in property solutions for foreign and indigenous companies.
• Shannon Development’s tourism campaigns yield almost 600,000 additional bed night, generating €47m visitor spend.
• New Limerick Development Division established to promote Greater Limerick Area.
• Shannon Development own tourism generated initiatives produce significant results – 38 tourism deals signed
• Shannon Development becomes the first state agency in Ireland to use Sat Nav to map tourist attractions & accommodation.
• €4 million project at Tipperary Technology Park near completion
• €3 million Tarbert E-Town project completed

Shannon Development welcomes increase in Continental Airlines services to Shannon Airport

Shannon Development today welcomes the announcement by Continental Airlines to increase its operation at Shannon Airport this summer by operating an additional four services to Newark Liberty International Airport in New York .

Welcoming the announcement Paul Ryan, Tourism and Corporate Marketing Manager, Shannon Development, said, “This announcement by Continental Airlines is an endorsement of the continued appeal of the Shannon Region as a popular tourist destination. We are delighted with the decision by Continental Airlines to extend its service and as the Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, we looks forward to working with them to maximise visitor numbers to our Region.”

Shannon Development welcomes extension of US Pre-Clearance Facilities at Shannon Airport to include Private Aircraft

Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, warmly welcomed the announcement by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, that the Irish and US governments have agreed to extend the pre-clearance facilities for US bound flights from Shannon Airport to include private aircraft.

Dr Cunnane congratulated Minister Dempsey and his officials in the Department of Transport, and Mr Brian O’Connell, Chairman, Shannon Airport Authority, and his team at the Airport, on delivering this added incentive for air traffic growth for the Airport and the Region.

Shannon Development Chief joins Shannon Airport Authority Board

Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, has been appointed to the Board of Shannon Airport Authority by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD. Ms Olivia Loughnane, Mid West Task Force Manager, Shannon Development, has also been reappointed by Minister Dempsey to the Board of Shannon Airport Authority.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Cunnane said “I am delighted to be joining my Shannon Development colleague, Ms Olivia Loughnane, on the Board of Shannon Airport Authority, and I look forward to working with the new Chairman of the Airport Authority, Mr Brian O’Connell, and the other members of the Board, to develop and promote Shannon International Airport as a critical international gateway for industry and tourism in the West of Ireland”.

Dr Cunnane said “As the Regional Development Agency and Regional Tourism Authority, Shannon Development strongly believes that a successful and viable Shannon Airport is essential for the future economic development of this region and the entire Western corridor”.

Dr Cunnane continued “Shannon Development and Shannon Airport have enjoyed a close working relationship for many years. Earlier this year, our two companies signed a joint marketing agreement and are now working closer than ever on marketing initiatives to get the best possible return for Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland”.