Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 April 2006

6:00 pm

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his very comprehensive speech in which he clarified a number of what he termed "misunderstandings" by the Opposition in respect of Cork and Shannon airports. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As Senator Mansergh noted, the experience of travelling from Shannon, Cork or even Donegal is more pleasurable than travelling through Dublin Airport. Donegal does not have a dual carriageway going to the airport but I am sure it will by the time the Minister of State completes his tenure in the Department of Transport.

In the State Airports Bill 2004, the Government set out its wish that the three airports be structured in a way that best equips them to deal with the new challenges and opportunities of the 21st century facing the entire aviation sector. The Government believed that commercially successful airports in Shannon and Cork would better assist in the economic and tourism-related development of their catchment areas. The Government took the view that autonomous regional boards in Cork and Shannon with the necessary commercial expertise and background would give strong and visionary regional leadership to the new airport companies so that both airports could adapt more quickly in a rapidly changing aviation environment.

In so far as market dynamics permit, the establishment of Shannon and Cork airports as separate commercially focused entities placed them in a position to promote and expand their range of services, thereby leading to greater competition with Dublin Airport.

As the country's major airport, Dublin Airport continues to expand to meet Ireland's requirements for tourism and industrial growth. The three State airports, operating as separate successful commercial State companies, have the potential to expand their business and enhance shareholder value.

The Minister's speech makes it clear that this policy has worked. He pointed out that all three airports showed record traffic growth last year, with passenger numbers of 18.46 million at Dublin Airport; 3.3 million at Shannon Airport; and 2.73 million at Cork Airport. I understand that last year, passenger numbers increased by 1 million at Shannon Airport and that passenger numbers also increased at Cork Airport.

In a speech to this House, the former Minister for Transport, Deputy Seamus Brennan, stated that the three State airport authorities would consult with unions in respect of the preparation of their business plans. I would like further clarification because the Minister did not indicate whether this has happened. It is important that this consultation takes place in order to ensure continuing harmony at these three airports.

Senator Ryan, for whom I have great respect, and Senator McCarthy should be more concerned with——

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