Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies who contributed to the debate on the motion. Some of those who spoke were passionate. I am glad that there is so much interest in the success of Shannon Airport. It is important not only to the people of the mid-west but also to the people of the entire western hinterland. I will respond to some of the points made by various Deputies.

Like everyone else who has commented genuinely on this matter, I appreciate the historical achievements of Aer Rianta International which has been a success story for many years. It was always the intention that Aer Rianta International would remain within the ownership of the Dublin Airport Authority. It can maximise its potential by benefiting from the funding, borrowings and balance sheet capacity of the authority. Aer Rianta International's retail business is integrated with that of the Dublin Airport Authority. It benefits from the group's buying strategies, expertise and purchasing power. This integrated business model also delivers significant corporate management expertise to Aer Rianta International, including in the areas of information technology, treasury, finance, legal risk and governance. Aer Rianta International is an integral part of the Dublin Airport Authority group at this stage. If the financial viability of the Dublin Airport Authority were to be compromised as a result of its separation from Shannon Airport, that separation could not happen. That is why it was always intended that Aer Rianta International would stay within the authority.

In fairness to Deputy Timmy Dooley, his comments are well received. He knew what was envisaged when he voted for separation in the context of the 2004 legislation, as Deputy Michael McNamara said.

Other Deputies raised the issue of the impact of this decision on other airports, particularly Knock Airport. I was surprised by some of the comments, although I accept the views are genuinely held. I do not believe this should be an either-or situation. Competition is healthy. This is about increasing the total passenger numbers, particularly into the airports along the west coast.

I fail to see why a number of Deputies did not recognise the fact that the State contributes a lot to Knock airport in particular - over €40 million since 1993.

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