Written answers

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Department of Transport

Transport Infrastructure

8:00 am

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will put together a transport or business plan to make Shannon Airport and Foynes seaport hubs for international transport involving the distribution of international cargo to EU countries. [2246/11]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The updated Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines list as an objective the completion of a Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary which among other things would identify suitable areas for economic growth and development in the estuary. Shannon Foynes Port Company is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders in seeking to maximise the potential offered by its location on one of the country's best deepwater locations. The Company has recently established a branded website www.shannonestuary.ie, which advocates the development of the area as a global deepwater shipping resource. The Company continues to work closely with development agencies at both a national and regional level in seeking further potential commercial opportunities.

Additionally the Port Company, together with the Irish Development Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Shannon Development, has developed the concept of promoting Shannon Estuary as Europe's Ocean Energy hub. This concept offers considerable potential that will benefit both the Shannon region and the national economy in general. The position in relation to Shannon Airport is that in 2009 the Dublin Airport Authority concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Lynx Group, a global airport cargo facility company, to explore jointly the feasibility of developing a major cargo facility at Shannon Airport.

The DAA has undertaken an evaluation of the business case for the project and is in active discussions with the Lynx Group on this proposal. Consideration of the best way to support the project will take account of the extent of potential investment by the DAA on foot of its evaluation of the business case and any support that could be provided by the State subject to compliance with EU state aid rules. I will be happy to bring the Deputy's suggestion to the attention of the Shannon Foynes Port Company and the DAA.

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