Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The committee's remit includes the west. In terms of aviation, Ireland West Airport Knock plays a major role in people's weekly commute to the UK and Germany for work. They travel out on a Monday morning and return on Friday. All of those families live in the west. That matter could fall under our remit, but it could also be covered by the transport committee. The issue of testing and the revitalisation of the aviation sector could be debated. Currently, it is like the main highway has been blocked off. If the main thoroughfare from the south, east or west of Ireland to Dublin was cut off, there would be an outcry. The situation at Ireland West Airport Knock is not dissimilar to that. I am sure the same can be said for Shannon Airport and its region. Our airports are vital to the survival of our regions. Even though we will not debate the aviation element, we should ask the transport committee to examine the impact that the closing of these airports is having on rural Ireland, in particular the west.

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