The Minister of State for Trade and Development, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., has announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has tendered for a feasibility study on the development of a humanitarian hub at Shannon Airport.

Minister O'Sullivan said: "We will be seeking tenders from suitably qualified individuals or companies to assess the overall viability of developing humanitarian facilities at Shannon and the potential level of demand from other Government aid agencies, the UN, the Red Cross and Irish and international NGOs.

"Proposals for the development of a humanitarian hub at Shannon are primarily being considered against the backdrop of the existing international humanitarian system, the UN Humanitarian Relief Depot. The key is to identify how Shannon can add to this system and with this in mind I have decided to carry out a feasibility study to examine some of the ideas involved."

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In addition to engaging with Irish Aid and potential users of a hub by the humanitarian community, the study will also involve consultations with the Shannon Airport Authority, Shannon Development, the Mid-West Regional Authority, other relevant local authorities as well as representatives of the private sector in the Shannon region.

Minister O'Sullivan said: "Ultimately, like many in the Shannon region, I would be very keen to see the development of a humanitarian hub at the airport. In commissioning this independent study, I am conscious of the need to ensure there is a strong business case to take this initiative forward and to ensure that any initiative offers value for money, as well as having a positive impact on the existing international humanitarian system."

(CD)