Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for taking action on this issue. Shannon Airport is probably the most vital piece of infrastructure for Limerick, the mid-west, Shannon and County Clare. Everyone, across all party lines, is agreed that the situation cannot remain as it is. We must examine the issue. That is why I welcome the fact that the Booz & Co. report has been commissioned by the Minister. What is important now is that we get a timescale on when the Minister proposes to bring the matter to Cabinet and for the implementation of the plan. We must reach a point where Shannon Airport is able to operate independently of Dublin. It is difficult for any airport to compete with its employer, namely, the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA. The operation of the airport is underpinned and conditional upon Shannon Airport not being laden down with debt, which is the scourge of any business in terms of being able to function. I commend the Minister on bringing the report forward but we need to know the timescale he envisages for the implementation of the plan and the details thereon.

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