[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E736-E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   NEGOTIATIONS ON SHANNON AIRPORT SHOULD NOT PROCEED UNTIL ECONOMIC 
                       IMPACT STUDY IS COMPLETED

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my 
colleagues, Chairman Hyde, Ranking Member Oberstar, and Rep. Peter King 
and Donald Payne, to introduce legislation on a critical and timely 
issue of interest to both U.S. and Irish companies operating in western 
Ireland and the impact on jobs in that region. The concern arises out 
of negotiations between the United States and Ireland that will 
determine the status of Shannon Airport, an important gateway for 
commerce and tourism between our two countries.
  Under the ``dual gateway'' policy international carriers currently 
operating flights between to and from the United States through Dublin 
are required to undertake an equal number of flights to Shannon Airport 
and Dublin Airport over each calendar year.
  The Dual Gateway Policy Review Act we are introducing today provides 
for an economic impact study proposed changes to the ``dual gateway'' 
policy might have on U.S. businesses operating in western Ireland, 
Irish businesses operating in and around Shannon Airport, and U.S. air 
carriers serving Ireland.
  This matter came to my attention recently through the persistent 
efforts of Dana Rosemary Scallon, a Member of the European Parliament 
representing much of western Ireland, the region that would be most 
adversely affected by changes actively under negotiation between 
Washington and Dublin. In fact, it is my understanding that talks are 
underway this week in Washington between American and Irish 
negotiators.
  At Ms. Scallon urging, I arranged for us to meet with the chief U.S. 
aviation negotiators in February, here in Washington. I was shocked and 
dismayed to learn that no consideration whatsoever had been given to 
the potential loss of jobs and negative economic impact that such a 
policy change would have on western Ireland.
  A key element missing from these talks--a glaring omission in my 
view--is an expert assessment of the economic impact of changing the 
status of Shannon Airport, an economic hub critical to development in 
western Ireland and the estimated 140 U.S. corporations operating in 
the region. My legislation would correct this shortcoming.

[[Page E737]]

  Mr. Speaker, in a series of meetings arranged last week by Ms. 
Scallon, I met with representatives of scores of U.S. corporations 
deeply concerned over the potential impact of modifications or 
discontinuance of the ``dual gateway'' policy on their operations. 
Approximately half of U.S. investment in Ireland is made in the western 
part of the country. Many of these corporations have made sizable 
investments in western Ireland and are keen to maintain their presence 
in the region, but would be forced to reevaluate their positions should 
Shannon Airport's status be downgraded.
  These business executives estimate that 40,000 jobs on the western 
corridor from north of Galway to south of Limerick are directly 
affected by Shannon Airport. An additional 80,000 jobs are indirectly 
affected by Shannon operations according to these business 
representatives. I also met with local leaders along the west coast who 
were united in their concern over the likely economic and social 
consequences of a downgrading of Shannon Airport's status. Business 
leaders from County Donegal warned of the ripple effect their region 
would feel from such a change.
  The potential threat posed by possible changes to the ``dual 
gateway'' policy have galvanized U.S. business executives representing 
many different sizes and types of enterprises along the west coast to 
speak out with a single voice on this matter. They highlight the fact 
that Shannon Airport is a major access point to and from the U.S. and 
European cities necessary to sustain and promote development and growth 
in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, for nearly six decades Shannon Airport has served as a 
vital gateway for the United States to Ireland and beyond. Indeed, many 
Americans, including me, trace their family roots back generations to 
counties along the rugged western coast of Ireland. Hundreds of 
thousands of American tourists pass trough this gateway each year. An 
estimated 140 U.S. corporations have come to rely upon Shannon Airport 
as a vital gateway to doing business in western Ireland.

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