Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask for an urgent debate on aviation policy. Shannon Airport, as the Cathaoirleach will know, is in urgent need of assistance. Unfortunately, the issue if Covid-19 has placed enormous pressure on all airports.Long before the Covid-19 crisis hit, Shannon Airport and its affiliated businesses were under significant pressure. Since separation from the DAA, the airport's performance has been abysmal. It has failed to meet all its passenger targets since long before the pandemic crisis. It is lagging behind the performance of Cork and Dublin airports in terms of growth. All of this happened at a time when an unprecedented number of tourists came into the country. Now we need action.

There has also been a failure to develop the tourism attractions which are part of the Shannon Group. People will be familiar with the great Shannon Heritage brand which includes Bunratty Folk Park, King John's Castle, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen. I could go on at length. Wonderful facilities have not been developed in a way that would attract tourists to the region. We want a change of direction. There are opportunities.

The tenure of the current chairperson comes to an end in August and it is incumbent upon the Government to look for somebody new with a new vision who will put in place a new direction for the entire operation, supported with an appropriate level of financial assistance. If we are serious about balanced regional development, we need a thriving engine of growth through the airport. It provides that. Its ancillary facilities, including Shannon Heritage and fantastic tourist attractions, can be the catalyst for the rebirth of tourism in the region. I ask for a debate at the earliest possible opportunity with the Ministers with responsibility for transport and tourism to try to ensure we get a new direction and some activity back into the region.