Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Aer Lingus was flying to Heathrow and Ryanair was also flying to the UK and elsewhere from Shannon. We are fully behind this proposal. We will follow it up with the Department and Government. Perhaps the witnesses could inform us of the outcome of their deliberations with the Minister. There is also an element of active engagement with the airlines. I ask the witnesses to provide us with feedback from that engagement.

I represent Limerick city. I know how important Shannon is to the mid-west. It is the jewel in the crown. It brings the tourists in and the multinationals into the area, and it facilitates travel from the area. We are an island nation. Along the western seaboard and in the mid-west, in particular, Shannon is key. We fully endorse the proposal as a committee. Perhaps the witnesses will also explore the cargo aspect. We must go onwards and upwards. I have not seen a proposal like this in some time. It is thought-out, specific, easy to understand, results-driven and based on viable routes. It is something we feel very strongly about.

On my behalf and on behalf of the committee members, I thank Mr. Thompstone and Ms Fitzgerald for attending today's meeting and engaging with us. It is to be hoped this will be the start of further engagement. Our next meeting will be in private on Tuesday, 29 June 2021.