Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I publicly thank the Taoiseach for the Cabinet's decision and commitment with regard to Kerry Airport and our public service obligation, PSO, routes to Dublin. This is of vital importance. The Taoiseach knows how important it was that this lifeline was kept open for us during the pandemic because of healthcare and other necessities, for which the airport is required. That PSO is of such importance.

We must remember that Ireland is an island of air connectivity, however. It is not just critical but critical care for both passengers and cargo. A Government is elected to serve all its people, which means regional development and balance. One cannot find a balance in anything; it must be created. In recent days and weeks, we have had the closure of the Aer Lingus crew base at Shannon Airport and the collapse of Stobart Air. I sympathise with the workers who operated the PSO services on behalf of Aer Lingus to counties Kerry and Donegal and lost their jobs.

We are all aware that the west extends from Kerry to Donegal. We have a huge decline in air services on the whole. I thank the Taoiseach for his commitment to Kerry but ask him to ensure that continues.

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