Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Rose Hynes. I am delighted to see a woman at the head of the authority. Her CV is very impressive. While Deputy Ellis has touched on the military issue, was there an over-reliance on the military side of business? When business was easy, was there was a laissez-faire attitude? That may not have been the case. I am aware that Shannon Airport is very strong in the Irish psyche. We would certainly want to promote and do everything we can for Shannon Airport. From a safety point of view, Shannon is extremely important. I do not recall the particular incident but a couple of weeks ago there was an emergency landing at Shannon which was the only airport at which the aeroplane could land.

The passenger experience at Shannon is extremely good. What type of passenger is Shannon Airport trying to attract? Is passenger traffic mainly business or tourist or a mixture of both and how is it intended to increase passenger numbers?