Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many Limerick people have worked in the airport over many years. It has been a very positive reciprocal arrangement.

I welcome the comments made by the Minister, Deputy Varadkar. I compliment the work of the aviation business development task force led by Rose Hynes and the change management task force led by John Fitzgerald. With regard to separation, from a regional perspective it is very important Shannon Airport is put on a sustainable financial footing by being debt free and being able to promote the airport as a destination. The ancillary activities are crucial and we must never lose sight of the fact it is an airport. I ask the Minister to be conscious of this.

I welcome the fact the Minister expects to receive reports from the two task forces in mid-November. When does he expect that he and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, will bring the reports to Cabinet for approval to progress with separation? When does he expect a formal announcement to be made on appointing a board and chief executive officer? When does he expect to make an announcement on corporate governance and the financial structure?

I represent the constituency of Limerick city, which includes a portion of County Clare, and I am very glad to represent it. The people of the mid-west are looking forward to having an airport for the region. We want a good take-off and the two elements required for this are corporate governance and a proper financial structure.

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