Tánaiste: Government wants Shannon Airport to 'grow and grow'

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has insisted the Government wants to see Shannon Airport “grow and grow” - irrespective of the abolition of the Dublin passenger cap.

The Government is planning on lifting the number of flights which can operate in and out of the capital’s airport.

But, An Tanaiste said this should not be read as a lack of support for Shannon, and the Mid-West’s airport has “a bright future”.
“We need Shannon Airport to grow as well. This isn’t - and nor should it be reduced to - a case of either or. We live on an island. Our airports are absolutely critical for our connectivity. I want to assure the people of the Mid-West that it’s not a question of do we lift the passenger cap, or do we support Shannon. We have to do both,” he said.

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Mr Harris was in Limerick on Friday, where he announced a boost for the funding of the Meals on Wheels service across the country.

To this end, he saw St Munchin’s Community Enterprise Centre’s operation up front.

He was also present at a fundraising dinner of Limerick Civic Trust, which exists to make sure the city’s historic buildings and streetscapes don’t decay or get wiped out, and that they stay useful and alive for the public.

He wholeheartedly praised members of the Civic Trust for “showing up for your city”.

“Showing up for your city matters - for its heritage, its character, its future - and that is exactly what the Civic Trust has been doing for over 42 years,” said Mr Harris.

The Tanaiste added that every time he leaves Limerick, he is always more impressed than when he arrives.

“Limerick is a place that has always had pride. Always had grit and character. Let me tell you what impressed me most about this organisation,” he said, in reference to Limerick Civic Trust.

“It is not just what the Civic Trust has achieved, though the achievements are extraordinary. What impresses me most is how it is done. Seventy people, working tirelessly across this city and county. Maintaining graveyards, caring for public spaces, supporting sports clubs, cleaning streets. Being out in the rain when you could be dry at home. Here is the part that really strikes me: the Civic Trust does all of this as a self-funded, independent charity. No guaranteed cheque. Just determination and civic pride in the truest, deepest sense of that word,” the Fine Gael leader told those gathered at Castletroy Park Hotel.

The Civic Trust is involved with 150 projects across the city.

It’s chairperson, Elenora Hogan said they are always looking to work alongside the Limerick business community.

“One of our more recent activities is maintaining the Three Bridges Walk which is so popular with Limerick people and visitors. Our team is out early morning to have it tidy and clean for the daily walkers,” she said.