Dáil debates

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Regional Airports: Motion [Private Members]

 

10:50 am

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Independent Group for bringing forward this motion. Along with my colleagues, I offer my support for what we deem a very important motion, which is specifically relevant to my home county of Clare. I am contacted every day by people who are concerned, affected, impacted and devastated by the lack of timely action and reassurance for Shannon Airport. As an example, no testing is being done at our airports today. Ireland's aviation sector has suffered immensely over the last eight months due to the onset of Covid-19. We are all aware of that. The number of flights in and out of the country has been reduced by up to 95% and passenger numbers at Shannon Airport were down by 91% for the month of September. On the ground, people are saying that this reflects the same old politics where we speak about balance but it has not been prioritised. These people paint a picture of doom and gloom and argue that Shannon Airport has received blow after blow. In recent weeks, Ryanair and Aer Lingus decided to cut their operations from Shannon and Cork airports for the coming weeks to save costs.

This places hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in jeopardy. People are saying that this is due to the Government's lack of action on and commitment to Shannon Airport and, therefore, its lack of confidence in the airport. The uncertainty that has been created and allowed to stagnate has left Shannon Airport the wide open to these blows. It is not appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Since my election to this House, I have raised the plight of Shannon Airport numerous times. I have made countless statements, met a number of staff and contacted the Minister on dozens of occasions, yet here we are in the same position, still debating the issue and calling for more action to be taken. While we welcome the recent announcement of more funding, we have seen task forces set up and reports compiled and published but their recommendations have not been enacted. We have heard the Minister announce there would be a review and we are still waiting to hear the findings of that review. The Minister has created inertia when it comes to Shannon Airport. He has left people with bills to pay in stress and under pressure. Answers need to be given. There is no need to leave big questions hanging over their heads.

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