Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

The history of Aer Rianta is very positive and I shall outline some aspects. Aer Rianta is a State company which commenced operation in 1937. Its original task was to operate lines of aerial conveniences directly or by means of Aer Lingus Teoranta. It was also charged with the development of aviation in general. Aer Rianta owns, operates and develops Ireland's major airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork, which are the subject of the legislation before us today. The first flight from Dublin took place on 19 January 1940. The birth of Shannon Airport came about mainly as a result of its strategic location as a gateway between Europe and America and in 1945 the first scheduled commercial flight passed through the airport. Perhaps the most significant event in the history of Shannon Airport came in 1947, which was also a significant year in the history of the GAA in County Cavan, as the Cathaoirleach is aware, when the world's first duty free shop was opened there.