Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask the Minister of State about the Government's commitment to the Lynx Cargo facility that is proposed for Shannon Airport. The time for talk is over. We want action with regard to the project, which has the potential to breathe life back into the mid-west. That is what we need at this juncture. The facility would provide valuable construction jobs in the short term and would attract manufacturing and assembly jobs to the region in the longer term. Between €5 million and €7 million is needed to roll out the facility. Is the Government committed to the project? Is it prepared to give the Dublin Airport Authority the €7 million that is required to drive it? Is the Minister of State prepared to put his shoulder to the wheel and deliver for the mid-west region? If the regions are strong, the whole country will be strong. If the Government is committed to this project, it should put its money where its mouth is. Is it committed to the Lynx Cargo facility project? Will it provide the €7 million that is required?

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