Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Far from throwing in the towel, we have re-engaged with the unsuccessful bidders and any other potential and interested parties, one of whom I will meet this evening when the House rises. We will work with these bidders to see if they continue to have an interest in starting an APU and-or landing gear maintenance shop over and above the existing line maintenance operation that is part of the negotiations between Aer Lingus and SR Technics. I have indicated that it may be less attractive for these companies without the key assets and equipment but it is not for us to suppose until we ascertain from the unsuccessful bidders whether they are continuing to pursue the setting up of an APU and-or landing gear maintenance shop. We will continue with the bidders and other interested parties to discuss the possibility of a start-up operation and-or including the two other tenders that I mentioned.

See this speech in context