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Regional Airports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Questions (201)

Duncan Smith

Question:

201. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans on the future viability of the regional airports in particular Shannon airport which has seen a huge reduction in services as a result of the current crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19589/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has been engaging with our regional airports including Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis since the advent of Covid-19. 

As the Deputy is aware, Shannon Airport is part of Shannon Group which operates in both the aviation and tourism sectors and in addition to the dramatic fall off in passengers at the airport, the closure and restricted re-opening of some Shannon Heritage sites means the impacts of Covid19 on the Group have been particularly severe.  For this reason I have committed to undertake an 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. 

It is my intention that the Company, including Shannon Airport, 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 region and indeed nationally.

In the interim it should be noted that there are currently no flight restrictions in place in Ireland and the operation of any route from Shannon is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with the airport and other stakeholders.

Aer Lingus entered into certain commitments at the time of its acquisition by IAG in 2015 in relation to the operation of its London Heathrow slots. These commitments are, however, subject to certain force majeure provisions, which are defined to include an "epidemic or pandemic". The reduction in Aer Lingus frequencies to London Heathrow is therefore in accordance with these provisions.

Aer Lingus has advised my Department that it will keep its schedule under review having regard to the changing circumstances.

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