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6.1 News: Robert Shortt, Business Correspondent, reports on the massive boost for Shannon Airport
Ryanair has announced it is to open nine new routes from Shannon Airport to destinations in the UK and mainland Europe.
The airline will also make Shannon one of its European bases, which will provide 200 new jobs.
The Chairman of Shannon Airport Authority, Pat Shanahan, has welcomed Ryanair's announcement.
Speaking at a press conference in Shannon, he said the airport had to prepare for the transition to self-sufficiency, but he conceded a new business plan could lead to some voluntary redundancies.
Shannon Development said the Ryanair decision is a major boost for the Shannon region and the west of Ireland, which would open up new opportunities for tourism and other industries.
