Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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I welcome Mr. Jacobs and thank him for his presentation and the information he has forwarded to us. We are happy to hear that plans for the summer are positive. A lot of work has taken place and hopefully we will not have a recurrence of the issues we had at the airport last year. Based on what I hear from people who travel through Dublin Airport on a regular basis, the experience has improved. The facilities that are available at the airport are far greater than they were in the past. They seem to be improving all the time. The area of contention for people who travel from outside Dublin is overnight accommodation. It is a serious issue as regards availability and cost. This summer the big issue is parking. We have people finding themselves paying more for car parking for a week than they pay for their flights.

It is a big issue and is off-putting. People from regional areas are looking to their regional airports rather than going through the main airport in Dublin because of the cost of parking. It is a huge issue.

I have read about the land that is becoming available and is on the market. I think it amounts to 260 acres. What is Mr. Jacobs's intention in relation to that? Does he have any plan for that? Does it form any part of DAA's plan to develop and expand facilities at the airport?

On another matter, Mr. Jacobs mentioned that DAA will be charging less for newer, quieter planes. Will Mr. Jacobs explain that in more detail? He referred to the fact they can be more efficient and reduce CO2 emissions. How near are we to that happening? Is that kind of aircraft available? When Mr. Jacobs said "charge less", what did he mean? Is it landing charges? Will he explain what he has in mind for that?

Mr. Jacobs mentioned one of the serious issues. He was careful not to criticise the regulator. Will he outline the changes that are needed for the regulatory model? What would assist DAA in relation to the changes that we should be promoting in that area?