Mr. Michael O'Leary:

We need to be careful to recall what happened last summer. Dublin Airport was grim in April and May and into June, but it was actually pretty good in July, August and September. With the security, we got there in the end. There is no doubt in my mind that Shannon and Cork were direct beneficiaries last summer. I know families who said they would not go to Dublin Airport for a flight but would go to Shannon. It was very good for both Cork and Shannon. It has helped with their growth. Both are growing at the moment. We are talking to both airports about additional aircraft.

One has to start off with the first principles, however. A total of 60% of the traffic in Dublin is inbound. This is because it wants to go to Dublin. There is no way that can be changed. Of the passengers of the main nationalities, those from the UK all want to come to Dublin. They will travel around. Some of the Italians, Germans and French want to go to the west and they will use Cork and Shannon airports, but you cannot make it as you would wish it to be just by wishing it. If there are more who want to go to Cork and Shannon, we will carry them. The members should not worry about that. We are working closely with Ms Mary Considine and the team in Shannon and with Mr. Niall MacCarthy and the team and Cork in this regard. They have done great work.

I was asked about what the future holds for Cork and Shannon. They must be materially cheaper than Dublin Airport. There is no other way. However, I am pleased both are growing independently of Dublin while the latter is recovering and growing as well. There is growth available for everybody, but Dublin cannot be restricted with people going to Shannon and Cork. If that is done, people will go to Oslo, Vienna or somewhere else.