I intend taking Questions Nos. 7, 14, 23, 35 and 44 together.
When I was appointed Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications in February last, there was a number of important issues on my desk, among which was the Shannon stop issue. Within days of my appointment, I embarked on the process of consultations with all sides in the debate on this important and far reaching issue. I met with Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta, Bord Fáilte, Ryanair, Shannon Development, the Shannon Status Committee which represents tourism, commercial and industrial interests, Dublin and Galway Chambers of Commerce, ICTU, SIGNAL — representing the Shannon workforce, Irish Airline Pilots' Association, the Dublin Lord Mayor's Committee on the economy and Fly Dublin Direct Committee. In addition, I both met with and received submissions from a large number of private individuals who made their views on the matter known to me.
At the outset, I was asked by all concerned to review the matter in such a way that whatever decision was taken would be in the best long term interests of the airport and the region. Many investors were concerned that a short term decision would create a climate of uncertainty.
I have been criticised for an undue delay in taking a decision on the Shannon stop issue. I categorically reject this criticism. There were two very valid reasons for not submitting proposals before now: first, I wanted to consider carefully the implications for Ireland of recent US initiatives in relation to their air transport policy and secondly, I acceded to a request from the Chairman of Shannon Development to postpone a decision until he had concluded discussions with local interests. These discussions have only been concluded recently.
Within a week of receiving these two crucial inputs, I presented proposals to Government and achieved remarkably speedy agreement to the strategy I outlined on Tuesday last. I announced then that the Government, on the basis of proposals I put to them, had taken a decision in the matter. This decision starts with a commitment by the Government to further investment in transport infrastructure in the west and mid-west regions. The Government have reaffirmed their commitment to make Shannon a major aviation centre, with the retention of the Shannon stopover. Fundamentally, this decision ensures that jobs in Shannon and along the western seaboard are preserved and that new jobs can be created. It does not endanger a single job anywhere else.
To further develop Shannon Airport, I am setting up a special traffic development task force for the airport with a budget of £1 million over the next two years. The task force will have an independent chairperson. Aer Rianta and Shannon Development will be represented by their chief executives and one other designated senior staff member from each body.
The Government have also approved proposals for new transport development plans for the west and mid-west regions to be drawn up by me and my colleagues, the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for the Marine. This will be done in the context of the forthcoming National Plan, to be co-financed by EC Structural and Cohesion Funds. There will be a substantially increased investment in transport infrastructure in the west and mid-west regions. Not only will this enhance the attractiveness of Shannon Airport itself but will also ensure that these regions will not be so dependent on the airport to achieve their development potential in future.
I am satisfied that the decision to retain the Shannon stop-over is not only in the best interests of Aer Lingus, but is very much in line with concerns expressed by tourism interests, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Joint President of SIPTU and the Bishops' Forum on the Development of the West of Ireland.