Press Statement Kieran O’Donnell TD Thursday 9th July
O’Donnell secures commitment from Government for a review of Shannon Airport Operations
– Deputy O’Donnell also raises severe difficulties at Shannon Airport in the Dail with Taoiseach Michael Martin
In the Dáil yesterday evening ,Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell secured a commitment from Minister Hildegarde Naughton on behalf of the Government to carry out a detailed review into ensuring the sustainability of Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage and the overall Shannon Group. Earlier in the Dáil, Deputy O’Donnell also raised the severe difficulties for Shannon Airport with an Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who acknowledged the enormous challenges facing Airports and confirmed that the government will respond to them in the context of the forthcoming support packages.
“In the Dáil on Wednesday evening I was given an absolute commitment by Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. that the government would undertake a thorough examination of the future viability and sustainability of Shannon Airport, including restructuring, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary as part of a wider review of Shannon Group including Shannon Heritage.
“This is very welcome news and crucial for the sustainability of Shannon Airport in the short and longer term. I look forward to the final report from the Aviation Recovery Taskforce being published and the implementation of measures to support the future for the Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage sites. A sustainable Shannon group is vital to employees and the region.
“In the context of this review of Shannon Airport operations, I asked that the Government should establish a separate Aviation Taskforce should be established for this purpose.
“Earlier in the Dáil on Wednesday, I also raised the severe difficulties for Shannon Airport with an Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He acknowledged the enormous challenges facing Airports and confirmed that the government will respond to them in the context of the forthcoming support packages.
End.
Note to Editors:- Link to Oireachtas debate video: https://www.oireachtas.ie/hourly/#
Date: Wednesday 8th July 2020
Select clip: dail_20200708T175923.000629.mp4 (17.59)
Go to: 28mins to watch debate
Link to debate transcript: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2020-07-08/speech/166/