Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish the Minister of State well in her new portfolio. Shannon Airport is much more than just an airport. It is the driver of economic activity in the mid-west and west. The airport was struggling even before the Covid-19 crisis. Aviation is an industry that is highly exposed to the effects of Covid-19. Shannon Airport faces significant challenges. Traffic has decreased by 96% since March. Aer Lingus still has not returned to the Shannon-Heathrow route. United Airlines has announced that it will not return to the airport. Without warning, a letter from management has been circulated to 230 staff members. There was no consultation with the unions or the workforce. The letter outlines far-reaching cost reduction measures.

I welcomed the setting up of the aviation recovery task force. It is of critical importance that this task force acts to the benefit of Shannon Airport. Our country needs a balanced aviation policy that will benefit Shannon Airport. I plead with the Minister to roll up her sleeves in the interests of aviation in this country and back Shannon Airport.

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