Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention was drawn by the Department of the Taoiseach's media monitoring unit or his own Department's media unit to the decision of Aer Lingus; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26462/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The circumstances in which I was informed of Aer Lingus's decision on the Belfast hub and its implications for Shannon are already on the record of the House and are set out in the report completed by the Secretary General of my Department and published on the Department's website on 25 October 2007.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Transport if he had discussions or meetings with the former executive chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority regarding the decision of Aer Lingus to cease the Shannon-Heathrow service; the details of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26484/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As soon as I became aware of the decision of Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon Heathrow service, I had discussions with the former executive chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority. I expressed my deep disappointment with the decision, I indicated that the Government would assist the Authority in any way it legally could and I encouraged the Authority in its efforts to attract new business. Contact with the Authority is ongoing with a view to helping in any way possible the Airport to secure a replacement service for the Aer Lingus Shannon Heathrow service.