Minister Seán Canney Makes Inaugural Visit to Shannon Airport to Meet with The Shannon Airport Group
Minister Seán Canney Makes Inaugural Visit to Shannon Airport to Meet with The Shannon Airport Group
Thursday 10th July 2025: The Shannon Airport Group welcomed Minister Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, on his inaugural visit to Shannon Airport today.
The visit was an important meeting in the context of the ongoing engagement between the Department of Transport and The Shannon Airport Group.
During his time at Shannon, the Minister met with CEO Mary Considine and her team to learn more about the Group’s strategic initiatives and recent developments.
The Minister was updated on progress work within the Group’s €30m investment programme which commenced in 2025, and includes airport terminal upgrades, the redevelopment of Gates 1–5, and Ireland’s first solar PV farm on airport lands—a flagship sustainability project. The programme also features over 140,000 sq ft of new R&D space at Shannon Airport Business Park, of which two units totalling 100,000 sq ft are set to begin construction in late 2025.
Acknowledging the Group’s important role in Ireland’s transport and logistics sector, Minister Canney said: “Shannon Airport is a vital gateway for Ireland and a cornerstone of our national airport network. I am deeply impressed by the ambition shown by The Shannon Airport Group in advancing connectivity, sustainability, and economic opportunity for the region. I have seen first-hand how the passenger experience drives innovation at the Airport with more and more travellers choosing Shannon Airport as a result. I am heartened to see the airport’s strong growth trajectory continuing with passengers up 7% so far this year, reflecting the vital role Shannon Airport plays in providing connectivity for both leisure and business customers.”
Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, expressed her appreciation for the Minister’s visit saying: “We are delighted to welcome Minister Canney to Shannon Airport - a strategic national asset with a vital role to play in rebalancing aviation in Ireland. With 40% of the population in our catchment area and 70% of the tourism workforce based outside Dublin, regional connectivity is not just important – it’s essential to national growth. Nearly 4 in 10 tourists arriving in Dublin travel west and aviation policy must reflect this reality and support airports like Shannon in driving balanced economic development.
“The Minister’s visit highlights the importance of strong collaboration between government and regional transport hubs. We look forward to continuing our work to deliver world-class services and infrastructure that benefit our passengers, our partners, and the national economy,” said Ms. Considine.