A number of organisations involved in rural development in the West have added their voice to calls for the Government to ensure services between Shannon and Heathrow are retained.
Representatives of 12 groups receiving funding under the EU LEADER initiative are calling on Rural and Community Affairs Minister Eamon O Cuiv to use his influence to protect the service.
The groups claim regional development will be jeopardised by the Aer Lingus decision to end flights between Shannon and Heathrow.