Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a representative of County Clare and the region, I can say that this has a disproportionate impact on Shannon. We have fewer flights, as Mr. Moriarty will understand. Dublin is taking the biggest hit, followed by Cork and then Shannon, but it is our lifeline to the world. It is our connection to the massive hub that is Heathrow. When that is removed or disrupted in any way it has an impact on business, tourism and future investment. I ask that Aer Lingus take that into account to minimise the impact. I acknowledge some of this is out of the airline's hands. A remark was made earlier that other airlines are not taking this mandated cap on board at all. It appears Aer Lingus is best in class on it. It does have, and is having, an impact on the region.

When we are discussing slots and Heathrow, there was a deal brokered between the Government and Aer Lingus back in 2015. A number of caveats were built into that and number 1 was the protection of those slots and that vital link. Growth was also to happen in Shannon, Cork and Dublin as well. That deal comes to an end in September of this year. I would like to get the airline management's thoughts and plans on Shannon and the use of those slots going forward. Will any account be taken of the two years those flights were not used? During Covid, Aer Lingus's decision was to axe the Heathrow service.