Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

While Shannon Airport faces significant challenges, it will also be presented with major opportunities. The change should be embraced positively, not negatively. I instanced why management at Knock Airport, which has a smaller hinterland compared with Shannon Airport, is positive about the open skies policy and looks forward to providing many transatlantic routes. As Shannon Airport is a major international brand in America, it should grasp the opportunity rather than look backwards. An economic impact assessment would have examined a fait accompli. We should look forward and my plan has been well received by management, unions and politicians in the area. It will embrace the future and maximise opportunities for Shannon Airport.

See this speech in context