The Minister for Transport has said he is disappointed with the decision of Aer Lingus to drop its services between Shannon and Heathrow.
In a statement released this evening, Mr Dempsey said he had conveyed the Government's concern at the move to the Chairman of Aer Lingus Mr John Sharman.
The Minister added that he had received assurances from Mr Sharman that Aer Lingus will "engage directly and fully with its customers and business and tourism interests in the Shannon region on the implications of this decision".
Mr Dempsey said the Department of Transport is working with other departments to address the range of issues that have arisen in recent days following the announcement by Aer Lingus.