Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I welcome the proposals but does the Minister not believe the airport authority has enough to do? As it indicates in its mission statement, it is an airport management company whose principal activities include airport management operation and domestic and international development. Does the Minister believe it should stick to that role?

While welcoming and supporting the proposals, perhaps Enterprise Ireland, Fingal County Council or others should deal with this issue. Does the Minister agree it is time for the authority to address the issues of congestion and capacity at Dublin Airport?

I welcome the fine new places to be built. I received a phone call yesterday from a pensioner who had to remove his shoes going through security. As there was no chair available, he found it extremely difficult to take his shoes off. These are simple issues the authority could be addressing and is not. The big plans are very welcome and I support them but somebody else should be dealing with them.

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