Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Fáilte Ireland stated that it is trying to encourage people to holiday here with its Ireland, make a break for it campaign. We are trying to encourage tourism in Ireland this year, in particular. That Bunratty and other sites will be closed at a time when we are encouraging people to stay in Ireland cannot be allowed to happen.

We are reaching out to the Minister to ask him to consider and fund the proposal put forward by the Shannon Group. The temporary wage subsidy scheme will provide a significant amount of the money required. We ask the Minister to support the submission made by the Shannon Group. I understand that Shannon Heritage could be brought under the auspices of the OPW or the relevant local authorities.

I welcome the Minister's commitment to a review of the Shannon Group and to inject the money that is needed to keep the airport going. We need state aid now, and we need the Minister to roll up his sleeves in the interests of the mid-west and Shannon Airport.

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