Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened very carefully to what the Deputies said. I take all their comments on board, particularly those concerning the Shannon Heritage sites. As somebody who represents the west of Ireland and whose home is only 40 minutes down the road from Shannon Airport, I completely understand its strategic economic and social importance to the region. I propose to undertake a thorough examination of the airport's future viability and sustainability, including restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate as part of a wider review of Shannon Group. I will be in a position to do this once there is further visibility of the extent of the damage caused by Covid-19 to the group's strategic and business outlook and its funding position.

I plan to revert to the Government with recommendations on this issue in due course. I will take into account the strategic importance of Shannon Airport in the context of the national and regional development of aviation policies. I will be meeting with the task force for aviation recovery this week, whose membership includes the chief executive officer of Shannon Airport. Deputies can be assured that I am taking this issue very seriously and will work with all the stakeholders to ensure we have a viable aviation sector. I thank the Deputies for their comments, which will greatly assist me in my role.

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