Flights to Heathrow from Shannon

I find it appalling that the government can sit by and allow AerLingus to transfer the SNN - LHR slots without any consideration for business in the west of Ireland.

If Aer Lingus pull the Heathrow flights then a multitude of business's and business people are faced with the prospect of being unable to function in this travel dependant world we now live in.
 
I had been based in London for over 10 years but last year I negotiated with my boss that I could work from the west of Ireland (home) when not travelling - given that there were daily flights to LHR, he was happy that I could connect through Heathrow to get to the rest of Europe.  (I am the European Cards Director For GE Money)
 
Connecting through Stanstead and Gatwick is not an option for me.  I travel from Shannon to Heathrow at least once or twice a week and I am now faced with the prospect of having to go back to London so that I can do my job! 
 
Has the government consulted with any business people in the west of Ireland before allowing this to go ahead?  I can think of at least 8 major companies that have bases in the west of Ireland,  that will probably be reconsidering their future following this announcement - Dell being the obvious one, J&J, Guidant, Boston Scientific, Hewlett Packard, Cook, GE and Genworth Financial all have European positions based out of the west of Ireland - the government is facilitating these highly paid positions to be moved to the UK or elsewhere!
 
 
I cannot believe that the government will sit back and allow this to happen - this is not just about Tourism!