The Mid-West branch of IBEC has called for debate on the future of Shannon airport, in light of Aer Rianta's Strategic Review. The review recommended that the group prepare for an initial public offering, which should include "all models of airport ownership, rather than the current focus on just two options - public or private ownership".

Mr Kieran MacSweeney, president of IBEC Mid-West, stressed the value of continued Government involvement in Shannon, which would "ensure a focus on regional development which could be lost if Shannon were fully privatised".

"IBEC Mid-West considers that merit should be afforded to some form of future regional public-private partnership, which would facilitate a greater level of participation among regional shareholders," Mr MacSweeney said, in relation to the future operation of the airport.

The debate on Shannon's future would be best served by early publication of the Warburg Dillon Read review, he added.