Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I met with the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance. Its representatives sought a meeting and it was promptly given. I also conveyed, in my own way, to Shannon Airport representatives that I would be willing to meet them. I cannot force somebody to seek a meeting with me.

Many positive things are happening in the region. The Limerick tunnel is being built, the Ennis bypass has been completed, work on the road to Galway is due to start next year and the rail line from Ennis to Athenry and Galway is under construction. These developments are happening because good work was put into them. I do not accept the Deputy's argument that Knock is more parochial than Shannon. My constituency is as near to Shannon Airport as it is to Knock airport, and I do not live in either county. The difference is that there has been a positive engagement over the years with Knock airport. Its representatives accepted what was possible for the Government to do and what was not possible. On that basis we have moved forward a great deal. I have not found the same realisation of what the Government can and cannot do in the Shannon context.

I have been clear on this issue, to a point where I am sure I have made myself unpopular. My view was that the people were asking the Government to do the impossible, which is fair enough, but in doing so they set out a negative perception of their area. They were not addressing the reality, which is that Aer Lingus will not change its mind so we must look in another pot.

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