Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I certainly will.

A number of reports appeared in the media to the effect that the Minister may be reconsidering the idea of separating Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. Is it the case that he may decide not to proceed with the provisions of the 2004 Act? Many commentators have observed that there is no commercial logic to the separation.

A pre-election promise was made to the people of Cork that they would not be saddled with a major debt. Has the Minister accepted, in full, the business plans relating to Cork and Shannon airports? Does he have a rough idea of what will be the three debt levels? Would he be concerned that Cork might be left with a debt of anything between €100 million and €200 million, while Shannon might have a debt of €70 million? It is interesting that Dublin Airport might be obliged to bear a debt of €500 million. Under its development plan, Dublin will also be obliged to pay out €1.2 billion, a figure that is six times greater than the projected earnings for the airport. Is the Minister concerned with regard to how matters might develop in the context of the debt issue?

A fundamental point was raised in 2004, namely, whether it would be easier for the three airports to carry a substantial debt of this nature, which is basically Transport 21-related debt, together rather than separately? Are there any circumstances in which the Minister might reconsider the proposal to separate the three airports?

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