Mayor McCarthy added she was "bitterly disappointed" with this evening's decision by the board of Aer Lingus to reject a request from Ryanair to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders.

"I cannot understand how a legitimate request for an EGM of Aer Lingus has been turned down by the Board of the airline", she stated.

Mayor McCarthy explained, "It is now evident that the Government must act and deliver on the guarantees given in its IPO document to have permanent and quality connectivity from Shannon to London Heathrow."

"The Government has, to date, failed to realise that this is not just a Shannon issue but has major implications for the entire Country in terms of maintaining critical connectivity to one of the world's busiest Airports. The fact that an EGM of Aer Lingus shareholders is now not going to be held means that the responsibility for retaining connectivity to London Heathrow rests with this Government", concluded Mayor McCarthy.

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“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.