I have to take serious issue with Senator Feighan's ill-informed comments about the break-up of Aer Rianta. I wonder what can be achieved by its breakup, about which there has been a lot of talk, but if there is to be balanced regional development, we need to invest in the regions. An airport is a key element of infrastructure in the west where Shannon Airport occupies a unique position. While there is a lot of talk about competition between Dublin and Shannon airports, competition would lead to the destruction of Shannon Airport which must not be seen merely as a profit-generating element but as a gateway to the west and the entire Atlantic corridor from County Kerry to County Donegal.