Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the mayor of Ennis for doing likewise, when he urged everyone to get behind plans for the independent Shannon Airport, saying it is critical for the local economy and employment in the town.

With regard to Aer Rianta International, I wish to cite a recent article by Mr. Liam Skelly, a former director of Shannon Airport. He lives in the same parish as I do and he knows Shannon Airport intimately. Speaking about the debate which took place on the State Airports Act, a long time ago when Deputy Dooley was a Senator, he said the solution proposed and to be voted on was as follows: Dublin Airport was to get immediate autonomy with enhanced status. Shannon and Cork airports were to get a kind of satellite status and the Aer Rianta International division of Shannon Airport was to be gifted to Dublin Airport, now called Dublin Airport Authority, the accumulated profits at 2004 amounting to €104 million, to be included.

He said the Dublin Airport Authority was to be gifted the deeds of the Great Southern Hotels and the Aer Rianta International investments in Birmingham and Hamburg, both of which were to be sold a few years later for €355 million. He believed any reasonable person who tried to analyse what was happening could only come to the conclusion that the real agenda being pursued was geared to the enhancement of Dublin Airport. It was clear to him that Shannon and Cork airports were seen as no more than a sideshow in the whole affair and that if either of them had anything of value, it would be taken from them. Mr. Skelly said "the treatment meted out to Shannon through the State Airports Act was nothing short of appalling."

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