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

Pages 26 to 28 of the programme for Government set out commitments around the capital programme, including a €6.1 million grant for Shannon Airport. There is reference to engaging with other EU member states on specific funding supports for aviation and looking at flexibility around state aid rules. There is also reference to the Tourism Ireland regional co-operative marketing fund in respect of supports for route development for airports outside Dublin. The Covid crisis has had a detrimental impact on the aviation industry and on all airports in Ireland, but it has impacted exponentially on Shannon Airport. We are probably going to see a reduction in traffic numbers out of Cork and Dublin collectively of some 40%. At Shannon Airport, we have seen a 96% reduction to date and will probably see a 70% decrease by the end of the year. Yesterday, airport management announced a voluntary redundancy package which has created great anxiety among the 230 staff. I bring this up in the context of the programme for Government and the aviation task force that was established. When does the Taoiseach expect that task force to report to Cabinet? Will its report be made public and will the Government commit to acting on its recommendations? Shannon Airport has no Heathrow connectivity at the moment, unlike Cork and Dublin airports. Will the Taoiseach undertake to give Shannon the supports it needs?

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