Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has acknowledged that the rebuilding of our domestic tourism sector will take a long time. While staycations helped to bridge the gap to some extent, hospitality and retail in our well-known tourist locations have suffered two bleak summers. With the majority of people choosing to holiday near our beautiful coastline, inland tourist attractions have been largely bereft of visitors. Well-known attractions like the Rock of Cashel, the Swiss Cottage in Cahir, Nenagh Castle, Damer House in Roscrea and Holy Cross Abbey, which were popular stops on bus tours for overseas visitors, saw only a trickle of tourists throughout the pandemic. As a result, businesses in towns and villages right across County Tipperary and the country lost much needed revenue. As we know, unfortunately, many could not sustain such losses.

While the losses incurred can never be recouped, despite the assistance that Government aid provided, the focus must now switch to the future. Despite their best efforts, people in smaller inland tourist areas will not be able to promote their tourism gems in a way that will reach out and grab attention. I am asking Government to increase investment in promoting Ireland as a tourist destination for 2022 and beyond. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland do a wonderful job in promoting the Emerald Isle across the globe. With additional investment, this promotion could attract even more visitors, which will help in both our economic recovery and further cement our reputation as a top holiday destination.

While aviation has been hit hard globally since the beginning of 2020, recovery is under way. It is commonly acknowledged that it will take up to three years to return to its pre-pandemic levels. Personally, I feel that it will take considerably less time than is being speculated. Travel by air is a fundamental necessity of life for both personal and business reasons. Our world revolves around our ability to get from place to place.

The importance of Shannon Airport to the mid-west region cannot be overstated. Air connectivity is crucial for regional economic development and sustainability. I welcome the appointment of Pádraig Ó Céidigh as chairman of the Shannon Group. He has the knowledge, experience and capability to provide excellent leadership at a time of unprecedented challenge for Shannon Airport and the economy of the mid-west region. I support the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, of which I am a member, that his position be given the status of executive chairman.

Expert studies and analysis have proven that Shannon Airport has a hugely positive impact on the local economy.

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More crucially, they have shown that huge untapped potential exists which would not only assist with the development of the mid-west region but also the country as a whole. Shannon Airport must be aided in its recovery. While the closure of Cork Airport for necessary repair and upgrade will be beneficial to Shannon Airport for a short period of ten to 12 weeks, it requires a long-term plan to hold its place as a port of choice. Negotiations must take place with Aer Lingus to ensure it maintains its base in Shannon when works at Cork Airport are completed. This is a very important and vital measure. It would be a major vote of confidence for the future of Shannon Airport.

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