Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regardless of who said it, the point is that there was never a great tradition of support from the coalition Government for the Ireland West Airport, or Knock Airport as it was then. In the circumstances, there should be a discussion about this. Liam Scollan has expressed his view, and presumably to the Cathaoirleach and others. Given that our Taoiseach is from Castlebar, it is time to ensure there is a level playing pitch with Shannon and every other airport. Ireland West Airport is absolutely essential for the development of the west of Ireland and it must be supported and developed by this Government. There must be a level playing pitch. I have no wish to see Shannon Airport being in a position to offer cheaper landing rates for airlines at the cost of the diminution of Ireland West Airport in Knock, County Mayo.