The Government's handling of the Shannon-Heathrow issue will take centre stage at a two-day conference looking at regional development in Ireland.

The 'Balancing Regional Development' event takes place in Bunratty, Co Clare and has been organised by a network of Community-based forums from outside Dublin. In attendance will be some of Ireland's leading academics, commentators and organisations in the Regional Development field.

The Government has been called upon to use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to force the company to abandon its plans to close the Shannon Airport to Heathrow link in favour of operating flights between Heathrow and Belfast International instead.

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Conference organisers claim the issue is further evidence that the Government's National Development Plan – a seven year investment programme aimed at boosting the country's infrastructure - has only been only partially realised.

“The Government is failing to achieve the National Development Plan objective of balanced and sustainable regional development," says Richard Cahill, Chairperson of the Clare Community Forum.

"Its reneging of commitments regarding the protection of Shannon Airport’s slots at London Heathrow is a prime example of this failure. The Government must now seriously look at its policies on regional development, not just for the Midwest Region but for all areas outside of the greater Dublin area."

Mr Cahill added that the aim of the Conference is to highlight the imbalance that exists within regional development and formulate viable solutions.

Among the speakers scheduled to address the symposium is the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Event organisers have expressed optimism that Minister Eamon O’Cuiv will deliver the Conference findings to the Government with a view to addressing inequities within Regional Development Policy.

The ‘Balancing Regional Development’ Conference is being held on October 22 and October 23 at the Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel.

(NS)