Ahern tells western body Cabinet will look at range of options

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday told a western development group that the Cabinet will consider a range of options to help support airline connections to Shannon airport and investment in the midwest over the coming weeks.

However, he did not give any indication that the Government will seek to persuade Aer Lingus to reverse its decision to drop its Shannon-Heathrow link.

In a meeting with the chairman of the Atlantic Way - a group of public and private sector bodies dedicated to developing the midwest - the Taoiseach said the Government will make decisions based on the facts and "realistic options" available.

Brian O'Connell, chairman of the Atlantic Way, said the message he had conveyed to the Taoiseach was the deep anger and concern at the "total lack of consultation by Aer Lingus" before announcing its decision.

In a statement, Mr O'Connell said the meeting with Mr Ahern was positive and constructive, dealing with actions which could be taken to strengthen the regional viability of the Shannon-Limerick/Galway corridor in the coming weeks.

"This is a vital first step towards addressing the key issue of the slots and also the wider context of Shannon's global connectivity," he said.

In his first intervention in the Shannon controversy, Mr Ahern announced on Sunday night that a cross-departmental report will help inform the deliberations of next week's Cabinet meeting.

The establishment of the group has attracted contrasting reactions. The newly-formed Atlantic Connectivity Alliance welcomed the Taoiseach's move and said it hoped the findings would help secure balanced regional development.

However, the Labour Party said it was a smokescreen designed to divert attention away from the divisions within the Government on the move.