Jobs boost in aviation sector should encourage wider aviation industry – Farrell

Dublin Fingal TD, Alan Farrell, has said that today’s jobs announcement will encourage workers across the industry and help rebuild the Irish aviation sector.

Deputy Farrell said, “Today, Ryanair have announced their intention to recruit 5,000 new staff including pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground operations staff, in a major boost for the airline sector.

“€50 million will also contribute to the development of a new Aviation Training Centre in Santry, Dublin, ensuring workers have access to cutting edge technology and services that will strengthen the sector.

“Aviation has been severely impacted since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, causing stress and worry to countless workers and their families. This announcement is a commitment to the ability of the Irish aviation sector to recover from this period of intense pressure and should be a cause of encouragement to the wider industry and all those who work in it.”

Deputy Farrell continued, “The aviation sector employs almost 150,0000 workers in Ireland and supports countless more jobs through hospitality and tourism; it serves as our connection to the world, bringing vital trade and investment into the State, contributing almost €18 billion to GDP in 2019.

“Creating a stable and reliable aviation sector benefits everyone living in Ireland, and while there are still significant challenges to be faced within the industry, we must encourage positive developments such as today’s news.

“This news will reassure many people across Fingal and the wider country today and this should be welcomed as a positive day for the sector.”

Deputy Farrell added, “Since the pandemic began, I have engaged with stakeholder groups within the sector and with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Transport in an effort to support the industry. I will be continuing this work in the time ahead.”

Speaking today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said, “After what has been an incredibly difficult 18 months, today’s announcement is a real vote of confidence in the airline industry as it rebuilds after the pandemic.

“This €50 million investment in a new training centre and the creation of 5,000 across Europe, will mean fantastic opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground ops professionals over the next 5 years. It’s incredible growth and makes me really optimistic for the future. Congratulations to the team involved.”