Aer Lingus has indicated that it does not intend to change its decision about ending the Shannon Heathrow air service, despite growing calls for it to do so.
Local business and political leaders say the move conflicts with the Government's strategy of balanced regional development.
This afternoon, a spokesman for Aer Lingus said the company had made a pragmatic commercial decision and that the position had not changed.
The statement came after another day of concern in the mid-west over the possible implications of the transfer of Aer Lingus flights from Shannon to Belfast.
Two of Co. Clare's flagship tourist destinations - Dromoland Castle and Doonbeg Golf Club - revealed they had frozen planned investments totalling €75m, on foot of the announcment.
Local business leaders met this afternoon to discuss the decision, while Limerick County Council says that up to 10,000 jobs could be jepordised by the airline's move.
This evening, Limerick East Fianna Fail TD, Peter Power, issued a statement demanding the Government use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to block the proposed ending of the Shannon / Heathrow service.
Shannon Development will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow of regional business, tourism and community leaders, to discuss the matter.
