NI Executive may have to intervene to ensure Aer Lingus decision to base its new UK Hub at Belfast goes ahead says Nicholson
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson warned today that the Northern Ireland Executive may have to consider intervening in the ongoing row over Aer Lingus plans to move its Shannon/Heathrow routes to Belfast to ensure that the Aer Lingus decision to base its new UK hub at Belfast goes ahead as planned.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said,
“The opportunities and obvious economic benefits that will come from the decision by Aer Lingus to make Belfast its new UK base are being lost because of the crisis created by its decision to move its Shannon/Heathrow routes to Belfast International and the row over pilots pay.
“I am really concerned about the impact all this controversy will have on the Aer Lingus decision and whether the new Aer Lingus investment at Belfast International is in real danger. The intervention of Ryanair has made matters worse. The last thing we want is for Aer Lingus to reconsider their decision and be forced to abandon their plans to locate its new UK hub at Belfast.
“The First Minister and the Executive will have to consider intervening to ensure that the Aer Lingus plans go ahead. It is a situation, which nobody wants to see happen but ultimately may be required if the plans are in danger. Quite clearly, those involved must get a grip on the situation very quickly.
“The reaction of many in the Republic of Ireland has left a bitter taste in the mouth. North/South economic cooperation cannot always benefit one side more than the other. After years of missing out on so much, Northern Ireland deserves to see economic investment of the type Aer Lingus have committed to, which after all was made on a sound, pragmatic economic basis.”