Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. He has indicated that the steering groups are on schedule to bring forward a business plan, which was probably part of the original legislation. The Minister spoke about the breaking up of Shannon Development. This very important agency has been of strategic importance to the mid west region and I am very disappointed that this Government has decided to dismember it. The Minister has not spoken about Shannon Heritage, which is really the pool of assets owned and controlled by Shannon Development and consists of the tourism attractors. Examples would be Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and a number of other castles and tourism attractions in the region. Could he identify where he expects those assets to ultimately reside?

Aer Rianta International is a very significant asset. It was created in Shannon and has provided huge revenue to Shannon Airport initially and latterly to the Dublin Airport Authority through the way the three airports were pulled together. What does the Minister intend to do with Aer Rianta International? It is hoped and expected that he will ultimately decide to assign Aer Rianta International to the new independent State airport at Shannon. It would act as a very significant contributor to meeting the bottom line cost to ensure the airport will be able to get through the transition period involved in moving from the protection of the group of airports to going it alone. It would be helpful if the Minister could clarify that matter.

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