John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the joint committee, I thank the witnesses for coming in at short notice and for engaging with us in such an informative manner. There has been a wide-ranging discussion, including some parochialism. There were a lot of equalising points scored in the last period. What has come through in the overall discussion, however, is the need for balance in development between east and west, including along the west coast.

One point made both by members and witnesses was that one facility does not have to be developed as a threat to another. That is the model we need to follow. Competition is needed and the airports were mentioned in this regard. It is important that both Shannon Airport and Knock Airport thrive side by side to develop tourism fully on the west coast. The same applies to Galway Port and Foynes. I hope that all of today's discussion will be reflected in the legislation when it comes before us.

As there is no other business, the joint committee will adjourn until Wednesday, 1 October 2014. We will then have an engagement with the nominees of the RTE and BAI boards. Is that agreed? Agreed.