John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

We could be far more positive for our region and we should promote ideas so our region can benefit from an improved position in Shannon Airport. I am greatly concerned about the future of Shannon Airport, as are all my colleagues in all parties in the mid-west region.

Autonomy was mentioned and Cork Airport is in the same position as Shannon Airport. There does not seem to be a huge problem or a huge issue with the travel tax or as big an issue with passenger numbers. It is linked to the DAA, as is Shannon. Perhaps in the coming months if the new board at Shannon Airport was to put forward a viable business plan - as I am sure it will - we could consider whether it stands up and means that the airport can go it alone and be successful.

Deputy Deenihan was honest in his comments on the decrease in passenger numbers from North America. He referred to the drop in the mid-west region. He stated passengers were arriving in Dublin but not in Shannon. The travel tax is not causing that issue, with all due respect.

See this speech in context