Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
84. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his office received an application for emergency funding from a group (details supplied); if so, the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the review of the Shannon Group as confirmed in Dáil Éireann on 16 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding by a group (details supplied) has been received; if so, the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17905/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 87 and 96 together.
Shannon Group has been severely impacted by the economic impacts of COVID-19 and the Group has asked for a range of supports from Government to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on both Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. I have met with Shannon Group CEO recently and am fully aware of the challenges faced by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. Minister Naughton also met with the CEO and Chairperson in recent days and assured them of her ongoing support for Shannon.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which many companies in the aviation sector including Shannon Group, are currently availing of. In relation to the provision of emergency funding, deputies may be aware that Government recently approved the provision of €6.1m in emergency grant funding to enable Shannon Airport complete its Hold Baggage Screening project. As Shannon Group is a commercial State Body, this funding was provided as an exceptional measure.
In relation to the examination of the future viability and sustainability of the Group, I can advise that work is underway in my Department in this regard and I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard in due course.
As I have recently stated, it is my intention that the Company 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 and Western regions and indeed nationally.
