IMO Belfast dons't fit the profile for a DL destination, fair play if they do secure them but I don't see it. They have had a very strong year in IE during 2015 & 16 which prehaps might help.
And with regards to Ryanair; just because Shannon has a hard time holding onto European connections doesn't mean that Belfast will suffer the same fate.
November/December stats are good however as already pointed out yield is non existent at the minute. I think you should reserve judgment for 18-24 months.
and there's a severe lack of industry in the west of Ireland to successfully maintain business links. There's simply not enough demand in the west of Ireland to maintain a comprehensive network of European destinations.
With respect there is little difference to Belfast and WOI in terms of industry, there has been low demand for a European network ex Belfast for the last decade or two as well.
A realist would see that there is potential for further Ryanair routes, as well as new routes from easyJet and other airlines. Holding a grudge just because Ryanair don't fly to the destination that you want to from your local airport isn't helping anyone.
Wouldn't bank on easyjet, bet capacity will stay flat.