Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
425. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will proactively ensure the prosperity of Shannon Airport and the mid-west region in view of Brexit and other challenges faced by the airport. [15437/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraShannon Airport is a strategic business within Shannon Group, a commercial state company established by statute in September 2014. The purpose of Shannon Group, overseen by a management team and a board of directors, is to promote and facilitate air transport and aviation services in and around Shannon Airport and to optimise the return on its land and property and on its shareholdings in subsidiary companies. While I have no function in operational matters in the Company, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I support all endeavours of the Group to ensure the prosperity of Shannon Airport in line with Government policy, taking account of national and EU law.
The Deputy previously raised the issue of Brexit and Shannon Airport's EU connectivity to which I explained that the introduction of new air services are commercial matters between airlines and airports, including Shannon Airport and I have no function in these decisions. I emphasised the importance of the aviation industry, including airports, taking steps to prepare and where possible to reduce their exposure and to limit reliance on any one particular destination or service.
As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission’s proposals aimed at ensuring basic air connectivity in a no deal scenario have now been finalised and the UK has confirmed its intention to reciprocate the proposed measures. While this cannot mitigate the overall impact of a no-deal scenario, or the assurances contained in the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement, the fears that aircraft might not be able to fly in the event of a no-deal Brexit are being addressed.
I recently met with the Chair and CEO of Shannon Group during which Brexit was raised, particularly in relation to EU hub connectivity. My officials are engaging with Shannon Group to explore what options are available to procure such air services, including supports from our Tourism agency for cooperative marketing activity.
