Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In response to the first question, the Minister of State said the service to the Aran Islands was important and that he fully subscribed to that view. Since Inishbofin is a lot further from Galway, why would an air service to that island not be of equal benefit to the islanders? Will the Minister of State assure me that there is absolutely no question of disposing this State infrastructure that was put in place with the people's money to provide a vital service to an island? Would the Minister of State be willing to examine the potential cost of providing a reasonable service from Aerfort Réigiúnach Chonamara, where the project could be completed at a marginal cost because there are airplanes and an airstrip available? There could be flights both to Cleggan and Inishbofin, perhaps three or four days per week initially. This could be done at a marginal cost since all of the infrastructure is in place and pilots are available. The Minister of State knows all of the arguments and Aran islanders would explain them to him. Therefore, will he answer my three very specific questions? I look forward to the answers.

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