Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have invested in Shannon Airport and we will continue to do so. I had a very constructive engagement with all of the public representatives, including Senators and Deputies, from the mid-west region last week in respect of the absolute need for connectivity and enhancing connectivity between Ireland and the rest of the world but particularly between the regions, and in that context Shannon is very important.

On the broader issue, the decision was made a number of years ago to create an independent airport authority and that continues in respect of the broader economic development of the mid-west. For now the Government is focusing very clearly on ensuring both the support of the airport with both capital and current funding to enable it to leverage, attract and incentivise airlines to use the airport frequently to get people into the region.

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