Vol. 491 No. 6
45 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on reports that Shannon Airport will decline in market share behind Dublin and Cork by 2002; the proposals, if any, she has to further develop Shannon Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12802/98]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the report from the IBEC mid-west region. I met with a delegation from the IBEC mid-west region to discuss this report on 2 April last, and I am aware of its contents. Shannon Airport's business is growing, not declining, and that is what is most important in my view, since it is not possible to ensure that the market shares of different airports do not vary over time.
Many new services, both passenger and freight, have been announced for Shannon this year and I am optimistic as to the future prospects of the airport and of the region which it serves. The plans for the future development of Shannon Airport are well known. Earlier this year, to cater for increasing passenger growth, I announced an increase from £23 million to £28 million in the five year capital expenditure plan. This includes a new passenger terminal as well as additional developments to the airfield, including new runway lighting systems.
