Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given Mr. Walsh’s previous incarnation as chief executive officer of Aer Lingus and having spoken earlier with warmth and affinity for Cork Airport, in growing the business out of that airport, which is still the second busiest airport in the State even though it has had a 36% decline in passenger numbers, what suggestions would the acquisition and merger bring to Cork to increase its passenger numbers? If the bid was successful, how would he follow through on this? I take his point about Cork being the pharmaceutical capital of this country, making the airport a suitable location for cargo. Up to now, IAG has not capitalised on these opportunities. How can we get a guarantee that this will happen if the merger goes ahead? Cork Airport is centrally linked to Heathrow, as it is to Paris and Amsterdam. What guarantees will Mr. Walsh give for connectivity to those hubs?