Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Under the national development plan and Transport 21, the Government will continue to invest heavily in the region to create an integrated infrastructure to underpin its competitive position. When Aer Lingus took the decision to discontinue the Shannon-Heathrow route, it was clear that the loss of the important air link would have an impact on the region. The challenge for Government now is to continue its investment plan in the region and to support the airport authority in its effort to replace that link. The regrettable decision by Aer Lingus will not mean that the Shannon area suddenly becomes a wasteland.

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