Seanad debates

Friday, 18 September 2020

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The House will be well aware of the considerable issues that have resulted from Covid-19 and of its impact on the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors. It is appropriate that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport should appear before us to set out in a clear and concise way the Government's plans for reopening those sectors. The devastation caused to the lives and livelihoods of the many people attached to them cannot be underestimated.

If we are to ensure that we protect the key infrastructure of our aviation sector, some certainty needs to be given to airlines. We have all heard the rumours of Ryanair and Aer Lingus removing aircraft from bases at Shannon in County Clare and at Cork Airport. We know how the aviation sector works - if that happens, it could be two to three years before those airlines consider reopening those routes. I cannot overstate for the House the impact that this would have on the capacity of the mid-west and south to rebuild our economy when we get to the other side of Covid, which I have no doubt we will. If key infrastructure is not protected, we will effectively be working with our hands tied behind our backs. I do not doubt that Dublin Airport will prosper again. It is the capital city and, when things get moving, it will see activity again. However, if we do not retain key services in places such as Shannon and Cork, we will be in real trouble.

The Government must consider the public service obligation, PSO, elements that existed previously. Routes were not profitable for a time but they were necessary for developing, growing and sustaining regions' economies. State support was provided to airlines to ensure that those key routes remained open. We need that kind of thinking again. The House must debate this matter so that certainty is given to the aviation sector, including airlines, and the tourism facilities that depend so much on such services.

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