Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will bring the meeting to a conclusion. One of the key economic drivers in the mid-west region is Shannon Airport. Limerick is referred to as one city in the plan, but there is no recognition of the role of Shannon as a driver and employment provider. Some 10,000 people work in Shannon between the industrial zone and the airport. There are large numbers of spin-off jobs. People from Limerick, Clare and across the mid-west region work there. It drives employment. There should be recognition within the plan of that and further supports for Shannon. National aviation policy should tie into the national planning framework as well.