Pádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman is always slagging me. I cannot help it. It is not my fault. I thank Mr. Geoghegan for attending. I wish him every success in his role. I am sure he will do a very good job. He certainly has the business background and experience that I hope will support the DAA going forward. I am not going to go back over questions people have asked. One of the advantages, or disadvantages, of being last is that most of the really good questions have already been asked. The issue of planning is something of which I am acutely aware. It is a very big issue. I know the IAA is concerned about it as well. Deputy Troy articulated it really well when he asked Mr. Geoghegan those questions on it.

It would also be useful to see what strategy the DAA has with regard to Brexit. I am not talking about the macro situation. I am really talking about flights between the UK and Ireland and about how Brexit may affect the number of flights between the UK and Ireland, whether that effect is to reduce it or otherwise. I also note that in recent weeks and months 14 new routes and four new airlines have been announced for Dublin Airport. There will be flights to places such as Beijing, Hong Kong and so on. Obviously, there have been direct flights to places such as San Francisco for the past two and a half years. The significance of Dublin Airport to an island economy such as ours is absolutely huge. It is incredibly positive that the DAA is a net contributor to the Exchequer by means of tax income and dividends, as Mr. Geoghegan said, and that it is totally self-funding, as is the IAA.

It is a positive contributor to the Exchequer but it does not receive funding from any Government source.

It may be early days. Mr. Geoghegan has not had an opportunity to put his feet under the table and dive into these areas, so if he cannot address these questions, that is fine. He mentioned metro north, which is crucial for the economy and Dublin Airport, the only airport in Europe, possibly the world, that is not accessible by rail. Ms Ross may also wish to comment on that. That link is critical. However, I ask that neither Na Fianna GAA club nor Scoil Chaitríona be ruined by the rail link. The committee has debated that issue and it supports the view of the local community in that regard.

Dublin Airport has 30 million passengers annually while Cork Airport has 2.3 million, approximately 7% of the number in Dublin. Having 7% of the passenger numbers of the largest airport in Ireland is not particularly significant for the second largest. An active strategy needs to be put in place to support Cork Airport in doubling its passenger numbers over the next five years rather than growing by 7% or 8%. I suggest aiming high on Cork Airport and positively supporting it. I acknowledge Mr. Geoghegan stated that passenger numbers have increased by 11% in the past two years.

Although it is outside his domain, Shannon Airport is a critical part of our infrastructure. In 2012, it became an independent company separate from the DAA. When the Minister comes in, it would be worthwhile to widen the discussion to address other airports, in particular Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport, Knock, as that is not an area on which Mr. Geoghegan can comment given they are outside his brief.

Is Cork Airport commercially viable? Is it a net generator of income for the DAA or a net recipient of funding? It has received significant investment for approximately seven or eight years and the fantastic terminal building was mentioned. Is other significant capital expenditure required for Cork Airport over the next five years? If the witnesses do not know, I ask that they revert to the committee with that information. How do they see the relationship with Cork Airport into the future?

There are two parts to operational matters. One is the movement of aircraft, which is fundamentally air side, and which needs to be managed. The other part is efficiency in the flow of passengers. People want to get on and off their aeroplane as quickly as possible. I do not know if the witnesses can comment on that issue. People primarily measure time and money. They measure going from A to B in terms of time and cost.

What are the witnesses' views on a second Dublin airport in Gormanston or elsewhere? Dublin Airport has 30 million passengers and does not have the capacity to cope with growth similar to that of the past five years. Most European capital cities have at least two airports, in particular cities to which more than 25 million people travel by air. I would value the witnesses' opinions on that issue.

There are two parts to security in terms of the big picture. This probably links in to Mr. Geoghegan's work on the board of the IAA. One part is the process of passenger security, including luggage and all related matters, and the other is overall airport and aircraft security. Does the DAA have a policy on drones? That could become a significant issue. Has the DAA considered it from a security perspective?