Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

From 1999 to 2003, the western region lost 8 million bed-nights. The Minister may not be aware but bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are closing almost every day in the region. Many are finding this year particularly difficult.

Up to 50% of industries based around Shannon are from the US because of the airport's route connections with the US. That edge for the region could be lost because of this agreement as more American industrialists will opt to locate in the greater Dublin area.

The Minister established a committee to produce a Shannon Airport action plan to soften the blow and lessen the opposition from his colleagues in the west, including the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Killeen. The tourism promotion body for the area wants €8 million for five years. We need to promote the airport before the agreement comes into play. Recently, Aer Lingus announced three new US destinations but none will involve Shannon. The signs are ominous. Unless something is done, Shannon and the western seaboard will suffer.

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