Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There might be a slight confusion about categorisation. The Deputy is right that Shannon Airport is proposing to operate at category 7 when no category 9 services are flying through the airport and to flex up to category 9 when category 9 services are scheduled to operate through the airport. Operating at category 9 on a flexible basis, rather than operating permanently at that level 24-7 all year round, will enable the airport to operate at optimal manning levels in order to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. This will contribute to a more efficient operating model at the airport without any material impact on flight operations.

What is proposed is not a downgrading, but an optimal use of resources in line with best business practice, ensuring that resources are deployed more efficiently as and when they are required. My Department has no policy or role regarding categorisation of any airport in the State, either State-owned or non-State-owned. This is a matter for each airport.

Let me deal with emergency flights briefly.

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