Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, for attending this debate. The Minister for Transport and the Marine needs to intervene and reinstate the Shannon to Heathrow services. I do not believe it is a fait accompli, nor do I accept the links are gone. The Minister still has a chance to intervene. Aer Lingus has proposed an extraordinary general meeting on expanding its fleet. The Minister has an opportunity to ensure the Shannon issue is firmly placed on the agenda.

We all know the extent to which connectivity is critical to an island nation that is wholly dependent on trade and tourism. As Senator Mary White stated, Heathrow is the closest gateway to the global economy, serving 200 destinations. As she also stated, closure of the Shannon to Heathrow services would sever access to 46 cities that are not served by the other London airports. Investors and visitors who use these connections are the key to continued wealth for the west and midlands. The Government claims to be committed to the national development plan, the national spatial strategy and investment in the Atlantic corridor. However, to ignore the customer, namely, the investor and visitor to the west, is nothing short of a disaster for the development of these regions.

We in the midlands do not have an airport. Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore are part of the midlands gateway and it is the intention by 2020 to grow the population of these towns by 20,000. To attract trade and investment to the region we need the global connectivity that can be provided through Heathrow, not a reduction in our options. If I were the Minister my first concern on my appointment would have been to appoint the two Government nominees to the board of Aer Lingus. Perhaps then we would have had a chance of putting forward a view.