10 Nov 2020, 17:11
The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks will continue its discussion regarding matters related to Aviation when witnesses from three leading regional airports appear before the committee tomorrow.
The series of hearings about the topic continues when representatives from Donegal Airport, Ireland West Airport and Kerry Airport appear from 11.30am in Committee Room 4 (watch live).
Committee Chair Kieran O’Donnell, TD, said: “The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks last week wrote to Minister Eamon Ryan welcoming the Government’s adoption of the EU traffic light system for international travel, this was introduced from midnight Sunday so a couple of days into the system, and with the Christmas period imminent we are eager to get the views of three leading regional airports.
“The diasporas of Donegal, Mayo, Kerry and surrounding counties will no doubt want to return home during the Christmas period, so it is imperative that local airports are equipped and funded adequately to facilitate this. We look forward to the engagement on this matter.”
On Thursday in Committee Room 3 at 2pm (watch live), representatives from the Trade Union Sector, and the Limerick Chamber of Commerce have been invited to appear.
“Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA), Forsa, SIPTU and Connect will give an insight into the impact of the Aviation crisis on their members, and the challenges which exist and their insight as the industry opens up again”, added, Committee Chair Kieran O’Donnell, TD.
“Furthermore, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce commissioned Copenhagen Economics to complete an independent assessment on aviation policy as an economic driver for the Mid- West and West of Ireland. It looked at the future of aviation in the region. The business community from across the Mid-West and West supports this report, and the findings are worth exploring further in Thursday’s meeting.”
Chair O’Donnell concluded: “Pre-Covid, Ireland controlled over 60% of the entire global leasing market for aircraft, and has a significant international position in maintenance, repair and overhaul. Furthermore, the aviation sector supports upwards of 140,000 jobs in the Irish economy, almost 40,000 of which are direct employment by the sector. With that in mind Thursday’s witnesses are well placed to assess the broader impact, and help us as a Committee to provide solutions.”
For more information about the work of the Committee on Transport and Communications Networks, see the Committee webpage