Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think everyone in the House will accept that the Government has very limited resources in terms of the development of our regional airports. We have two PSO routes - Kerry and Donegal. A number of PSO routes have already been, for want of a better word, withdrawn. They include Waterford, Galway, Sligo and Derry. Based on the limited resources we have, given the limitations that are there and the fact that the policy has already been subject to scrutiny by the European Commission, we must work within the parameters that have been set out in the Department's policies.

While I do not have a direct role in aviation or transport policy, I do have a role in tourism development. Certainly, I do not have any difficulty with meeting stakeholders along the Wild Atlantic Way. I holidayed on it in Donegal this year and the previous year and I have to say that it has an awful lot to offer. I would have no difficulty in engaging with public representatives from Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim regarding the development of the north west.

I will relay the Senator's sentiments to the Minister and will ask his office to arrange at the earliest opportunity for him to engage with all Members of the Oireachtas from County Donegal regarding this issue.