Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is incorrect in claiming I shelved plans for the separation of Shannon and Cork Airports from the Dublin Airport Authority. Due to the severe economic downturn and its effects on the international aviation industry, the chairs, boards and management of the various airports requested me to postpone the planned separation of the Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports from the one authority. They believed it would not be prudent considering the economic positions in which they found themselves.

Next year, it is intended to examine the various possibilities for separation. I will listen carefully to the board and management of Shannon Airport if they want it to be separated from the Dublin Airport Authority to run their own affairs. Their decision will carry much weight with me, so long as everyone knows the consequences of such a move.

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