Humanitarian Hub For Shannon

Fine Gael has welcomed a feasibility study that could see a global aid hub come to Shannon.

Fine Gael Clare TD, Joe Carey on Wednesday welcomed the announcement that a feasibility study has been commissioned on establishing a new global humanitarian aid hub at Shannon Airport.

“This proposal, which is contained within the Programme for Government, would see humanitarian aid from a number of organisations, including the EU and the UN, stored at Shannon Airport and dispersed from there when needed. The project has taken a significant step forward thanks to a feasibility study commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“I am hopeful that this study will result in a new multi-million euro global logistics centre being developed at Shannon, highlighting the sheer potential offered by the airport in terms of cargo and other logistical facilities.

The minister said that Ireland had played a leading role in the provision and deployment of humanitarian aid in past decades and has an "international reputation" for being able to respond quickly and efficiently to international emergencies, as evidence by the floods in Pakistan and the earthquake in Haiti.

“I believe that it makes perfect sense to have a country such as ours as a base for EU humanitarian aid. I understand that much of the humanitarian aid is currently stored in Malaysia and I see no reason why it should not be stored in Europe, within closer proximity to its source," Mr Carey said.

He added: “Shannon Airport is perfectly placed in terms of its geographic location and easy access to international routes, to be a global humanitarian hub. This facility, coupled with the Lynx Cargo developments, would go a long way towards putting Shannon on the international cargo map. I am working closely with my Government colleagues to ensure this project is brought to fruition.”

(DW)