Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Mulherin that we need a plan for Knock airport and the region, given the importance of the airport to the entire region in terms of tourism and business development. However, any such plan must be sustainable, viable and based on a thorough examination of what pertains in other parts of the country. As I said in my response, a task force has been established which will advise the Minister on the regional airports, whether privately or publicly owned. My understanding is that the task force will report directly to the Minister, who will in due course submit his proposals, if any, to the Government. The points raised by Deputy Mulherin on the importance of Knock airport, not just to County Mayo but to the wider region, are very real and I will make sure the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is fully appraised of the comments she has made.

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