13. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the review of the National Aviation Policy to maximise the use of our regional airports, as promised in the programme for Government [20950/25]

Sentiment score: 0.18

We are looking for the new aviation policy to be reviewed. I have heard the Minister say it will be reviewed. I understand that we have to get this right but this clearly needs to be done as a matter of urgency. The Minister has not given us clear timelines on this. Perhaps the Minister could really push this and give us clear timelines.

Sentiment score: 0.15

I understand all of what the Minister has said with regard to what needs to be done. However, I believe the stakeholders would probably say they are already at where they need to be with it, so maybe it could be expedited. Many tourists visiting Ireland travel to the west, and many are brought in by bus. They are brought through Dublin Airport, take a bus to the west and take a bus back up. This is not helping the economy in the mid-west or tourism. It means they do not stay there and contributes to air pollution. In reality, they could have flown directly into Shannon or the west. The positive impacts of regional balance and a national aviation policy will play a part in Shannon Airport. It is a key gateway to the west of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. Shannon Airport plays a vital role in promoting regional development by supporting balanced growth across the country. More regional balance will help ease congestion in Dublin and ensure the economic benefits of international connectivity are served nationwide. It will boost tourism, trade and investment in the mid-west, create jobs and drive local prosperity.

Sentiment score: 0.23

I welcome all that the Minister has said. I know he cannot make airlines land in certain airports, but I am sure he can help make the other airports more viable for these airlines to land in. We would welcome working with him in that regard. We have seen the chaos in Dublin Airport. This is not an anti-Dublin Airport statement at all. We welcome the lift on the passenger cap too, but the regional balance needs to be looked at. It is very unfair to have 86% of flights going out of one airport and not the others. As the Minister said earlier, Shannon Airport has seen an increase of 17%. There is room for a further increase; it can go up to 5 million or 10 million, as the Minister stated earlier. Therefore, we need to work on this together, and work on it soon. It is a matter of urgency.

Sentiment score: 0.14