Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State referred to loans being available. The sad reality is that for airports such as Ireland West Airport Knock, income is €4 million less this year. One can borrow money but how can one repay it if there is no income? There has been a 50% reduction in the workforce. There is a focus on many things. The Minister of State has met people in Dublin Airport. Has she met people such as Joe Gilmore in Ireland West Airport Knock or anyone in Shannon Airport to hear their frustration? The Minister of State will understand, as she comes from Galway. The situation in the west of Ireland is unique because of the number of youngsters who had to take the plane when the country went broke. Regional airports are the link which keeps many families together and which make the west accessible to get to places like England rather than taking three hours to get to Dublin and queue for ages. If people from the west have to go through Dublin Airport they will not bother returning every weekend, as it is too much hassle. Is the Government prepared to ensure those airports, whether Ireland West Airport Knock, Shannon or Cork, are kept viable and kept going?

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