This article is from page 2 of the 2008-04-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
THE Government’s commitment to the mid-west has been called into question after legislation was de- ferred for the development of a new €20 million Customs and Borders facility at Shannon in time for the busy Summer season.
In order for the facility to proceed, the Government needs to have put legislation in place and concluded talks with US authorities. However, the necessary legislation was not on the schedule of bills to be enacted before the summer recess which was published by the Government last week.
Last year, the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) secured planning permission for the proposal and is ready to construct the facility once legislation is passed. In response to questions from Deputies Joe Carey and Pat Breen, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said that negotiations took place with the US authorities on January 29 and further discussions are envisaged.
“I look forward to making good progress with the US authorities in the period ahead,” he said. “Given HD OT-LaM A OCoam OOTeTARe) MB KCMIO DOOMED OLOLs) um t(ox%O]8T- tion it is too early to say when I will be in a position to publish any neces- sary legislation.”
This failure to have the legislation in place to coincide with the ending of the ‘Shannon stop-over’ follows the months-long delay in publishing the economic and tourism plan for Shan- non. Earlier drafts contained a com- mitment to provide €20 million over five years. However, this was deleted from the plan published in January and the region is to receive only €3 million for a marketing campaign for the US and UK this year.
Deputy Joe Carey commented yes- terday, “Despite promises, this Gov- ernment has not delivered for Shan- non and the mid-west. I understand negotiations with the US authorities are still ongoing but it was intended
that these negotiations would be completed before open-skies came into effect. This hasn’t happened.
“I also note that the Minister for Justice did not discuss the extension of the customs and borders facility at Shannon when he visited the US re- cently. I find that very disappointing.
“IT am calling for the new Fianna Fail leader to take an active interest in the issues facing this region. I ask that the negotiations with the US be committed to wholeheartedly, and that a comprehensive, adequately funded marketing and promotion fund is put in place immediately to advance the positives of this region to the international market,’ he added.