Deputy Dooley said: "Shannon Airport is currently receiving €8m a year from the Dublin Airport Authority and there is no clear funding stream for the airport outlined by the Government after it is cut loose from the DAA. I want the Government come clean on the debt issue and ensure that Shannon will not be saddled with historical debt. It must also ensure that Shannon retains control of Aer Rianta International and it valuable revenue generating potential. Aer Rianta International was born, nurtured and grown out of the Mid-West to become a major success story and it must remain local.
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"What's happening with Shannon Development is very worrying. The government has decided to tear up a very successful organisation. The tourism functions are going to Fáilte Ireland, the business support and investment functions are going to Enterprise Ireland and the IDA and what’s left will be folded into the new Airport body.
"Dismantling Shannon Development will take the investment focus off the region at a time when more focus is needed. I believe a world-class aviation industry can be developed at Shannon that supports employment across the region but that will involve a solid footing for the airport - something the government has failed to provide today. Nowhere in today’s announcement is there any indication how passenger numbers or increased air services will be provided at Shannon Airport."
(CD/GK)
