Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South and Member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has said that the sale of Aer Lingus should only be considered if the Heathrow slots to Cork, Dublin and Shannon are protected. MEP Clune was responding to reports that the IAG group has tabled a €1.3bn bid for Aer Lingus and that negotiations are ongoing this weekend.

“No offer for Aer Lingus should be accepted from IAG unless the Heathrow slots are protected for flights to and from Cork, Shannon and Dublin.

“Those slots are vital for keeping Ireland connected within Europe and internationally. As an island nation, we depend on these vital routes to one of the most important airline hubs in the world.

“No deal should be countenanced unless there are guaranteed commitments that the slots will be protected for use by flights into and out of Cork, Shannon and Dublin.”

ENDS