5 Noll 2012, 14:51
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications today heard calls for greater recognition of the strategic importance of Ireland West Airport Knock for Ireland’s national aviation infrastructure.
5 December 2012
Liam Scollan, Chairman and Joe Gilmore, CEO discussed the benefits, both locally and nationally, arising out of the steady expansion of Ireland West Airport Knock in recent years. Discussions also focussed on the implications for the airport of the government plans for Shannon Airport, announced earlier in the week.
Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: “Committee Members heard a detailed briefing from Mr Scollan and Mr Gilmore on the strength and resilience of Ireland West Knock Airport, which was built during a severe recession. The airport is continuing to enjoy sustained and steady growth amid current economic difficulties in Ireland and Europe. This growth has been possible through a lean, low-cost model, independently overseen by voluntary trustees.
“Committee Members acknowledge the considerable potential of the airport to further contribute to Ireland’s aviation infrastructure. A recent survey indicated that one in two tourists arriving at the airport were first time visitors to the west or Ireland. Undoubtedly, the potential to increase tourist spending considerably in the airport’s catchment area by further developing and promoting the airport as a tourist hub.
“Our Committee did however hear concerns expressed around the implications for Knock of the government plans for Shannon Airport, announced earlier in the week. While both witnesses were fully supportive of Shannon Airport, they felt that such supports would create an uneven playing field and severely disadvantage Ireland West Airport in the coming years. Our Committee intends to invite the Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar TD before us to discuss his Department's aviation policy and to carefully consider how best to ensure both airports can thrive in a spirit of cooperation.”
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Committee Membership
Deputies
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
Tom Fleming, Independent
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Colm Keaveney, Labour
Seán Kenny, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Ann Phelan, Labour
Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
Senators
Terry Brennan
Sean D. Barrett
Eamonn Coghlan
Paschal Mooney
Ned O’Sullivan
John Whelan