I concur with the previous speaker in thanking you, a Chathaoirligh, for your courtesy in this House. I apologise for the absence of the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke. When I tabled the motion I did not realise she could not be present. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jacob, for being present to take this matter.
The purpose of the motion is to focus attention on the importance of strategic investment in the development of our regional airports. Over the years the Government has given substantial money to the airport companies for the development of the basic infrastructure of our airports such as runways, terminals, reception and duty free areas.
In return the airports have proved themselves to be a gateway for the development of our tourism industry. They have provided transport facilities for the business sector and have opened new opportunities for investment in rural and regional areas.
The recent decision by the EU to withdraw the duty free status from our airports will have a profound effect on the financial viability of regional airports. The Government has an opportunity to look at the long-term strategic development of these airports. I understand the Government is giving some consideration to dealing with this matter.
I understand that the management of Knock International Airport has put forward specific plans to Government outlining its needs and considerations for further development. It has highlighted the need for investment in water and sewerage facilities. I stress the fundamental importance of putting in place these services as part of any long-term planning for the economic development and future of the airport and if it is to play a part in regional development and job creation. These are fundamental needs. The management of Knock International Airport has looked for tax incentives to encourage large companies to invest and provide jobs close to the airport. Such incentives would provide many jobs in an region which has recently experienced the closure of a factory in the Charlestown area, leaving almost 100 people unemployed.
I ask the Minister of State to ask Aer Rianta to play a greater part in the overall development of flight services to regional airports. This should be part of a substantial overall plan. As the national airport body it should be encouraged to support the Government's investment in the regions by providing more services and flights to those areas.
The time is right for the Minister and the Government to set out a blueprint for investment in our airports in conjunction with development agencies, such as Forfás, local authorities and other Government agencies, as part of our national development plan. There is a great opportunity and challenge here. If we believe in the thrust of the Government's policy on regional development to encourage greater development and concentration of jobs and opportunities in rural areas, our airports should be the hubs of such development. It would spearhead much good thinking and planning. One need only look at the development of Shannon Airport since the 1950s and the development it has brought to that region. We welcome the great challenges and opportunities to be faced and on this premise I commend this matter to the Minister of State.