Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman and I will continue on the same point raised by Senator Buttimer.I compliment Senator Buttimer. He has been an advocate on this issue for many years. It is about proper and sustainable regional development and how we can appropriately have that happen in the regions. Senator Buttimer speaks sense. He is very involved in the aviation industry, he sits on the transport committee and he has a great knowledge of this issue. The regional dynamic must be looked at when it comes to the DAA. If anything, Cork Airport needs that base and link person. At the moment, we seem to be running rudderless at times, unfortunately. An awful lot of good work is happening at Cork Airport, and Senator Buttimer has always been first to come out and champion the good causes there, but a change at DAA level would be very appropriate. It is something we could work on that would be very helpful to everyone.