Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
132. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding has been received from a group (details supplied) up to 17 July 2020; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/20]
View answer135. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport correspondence with a group (details supplied) since 1 January 2020 in relation to support measures to assist the company cope with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided; the dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18003/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 135 together.
I can advise the Deputies that in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, including the recently extended Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which many companies in the aviation sector including Shannon Group, are currently availing of.
In relation to the provision of emergency funding, the Deputies may be aware that Government recently approved the provision of €6.1m in emergency grant funding to enable Shannon Airport complete its Hold Baggage Screening project. As Shannon Group is a commercial State Body, this funding was provided as an exceptional measure. Provision of this funding ensured the Airport was in a position to re-open on the 1st of July with the resumption in passenger flights.
My Department is in ongoing discussions with Shannon Group in relation to potential supports from Government to help mitigate the impacts of Covid-19. In this regard, Shannon Group wrote formally to the Department on this issue on 23 April, 22 May, 8 July and 20 July, 2020. I can also confirm to the Deputies that Minister Naughton has also met recently with the CEO and Chair of Shannon Group.
My Department is currently undertaking a thorough examination of the future viability and sustainability of the Group, and I will consider restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate as part of a wider review of Shannon Group. I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard in due course.
As I have recently stated, it is my intention that the Company will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery, particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest and Western regions and indeed nationally.
