Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take on board the points made by the Deputies, which are valid. Shannon is completely separate from the provisions of this amendment, however. I assure the Deputies, from dealing with stakeholders in the region, of the importance of Shannon Group and the heritage sites. I met a number of stakeholders on the ground on the future of Shannon Heritage. We want to ensure that is viable, although we all recognise that a reduction in international travel has had a severe impact on those sites. That has been recognised and support has been given over a wide range of areas. That includes the employment wage subsidy scheme. I am very cognisant of the questions relating to the Shannon heritage sites, Shannon Airport and the overall picture in the mid-west region. That is a different debate but I assure Deputies that work is ongoing in that regard. I am in constant contact with the different stakeholders. The amendment has no impact on that. I am working hard, and I know all the Oireachtas Members from the area are doing the same, for the mid-west region. We want to ensure there is a viable future for those heritage sites. I reassure members that this amendment does not affect that in any way.