Shannon airport has confirmed the closure of the only bar accessible to the public amid fears that other outlets will also close following a decision not to replace seasonal staff.
An airport spokeswoman has confirmed the closure of the Marsh Point Bar from yesterday until further notice.
A statement issued on behalf of the airport said: "The airport has begun to implement a policy of non-replacement of seasonal staff in response to its ongoing financial difficulties. As a consequence, it will not be possible for the foreseeable future to continue operating all the current catering services in the terminal."
In June, the chairman of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), Gary McGann, appeared before the Oireachtas Transport Committee and expressed concerns about Shannon airport's short-term viability, stating: "Costs are too high and out of step with Dublin and Cork airports."
Clare Fine Gael TD Pat Breen believes that the DAA is responsible for the closure of the bar at Shannon.
"The Dublin Airport Authority is deliberately running down Shannon while investing €395 million in a new terminal building in Dublin." he said. "At the same time, the DAA has made €265 million from the sale of seven Great Southern hotels in the west of Ireland. Where is that money going if not into the east?"
Deputy Breen said it was his understanding that the bar and catering facilities were making a profit. He added: "It is clear that management are turning their backs on their workers by making a quick buck on leasing the airport space."
Patricia McCarthy, a local councillor, has also criticised the move, describing it as the worst case of mismanagement she had ever seen. "Shannon is supposed to be seeing better days but there is no self-management; it is still being run from Dublin."
The Shannon Airport Authority has said, however, that it "would like to assure its customers that catering and beverage services will continue to be available at a number of other outlets in the terminal building".