Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeframed commitment with a ring fenced budget to implement the recommendations of the mid-west tourism and economic development plan which was launched in June 2006 at Shannon Airport before he negotiates with his EU counterparts on proceeding with a new bilateral aviation treaty with the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31617/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In announcing the agreement reached with the US authorities in December 2005 in relation to a transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport in the context of the proposed EU/US 'open skies' I indicated that I would prepare, in consultation with my colleagues, the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, a tourism and economic development plan for Shannon and the West of Ireland.

What the Deputy refers to is one of a number of inputs to the plan which comes from a local liaison group under the chairmanship of the Clare County Manager. Preparation of this plan is at an advanced stage and I am considering the various submissions. The Deputy will appreciate that at this stage of the process it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any specific aspects of the plan.