Written answers

Thursday, 8 May 2008

5:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Transport if all parties have fully accepted the recommendations of the Cassells' report; if he has received the business plans from Cork and Shannon Airports; the timeframe for the final separation of Cork, Dublin and Shannon Airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17322/08]

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to facilitate the separation of Cork, Shannon and Dublin Airports in view of Cork Airport Authority's decision to accept a level of debt; if this will require legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17749/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 65 together.

The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. As part of the airport restructuring process the boards of Cork and Shannon airport are required to prepare business plans for eventual separation.

Draft business plans for Cork and Shannon were submitted to the DAA at the end of last year and subsequently forwarded to me with DAA's commentary. Consideration of the draft Cork business plan led to the Cassells report which was the outcome of dialogue with the Dublin Airport Authority and the Cork Airport Authority.

Following on from acceptance of the Cassells report by the Board of CAA on 10th April last, a process of engagement will now commence with all the relevant parties on implementation and the technical and legal issues involved will be progressed by the Cork and Shannon airport authorities and the Department.

It is my intention to proceed without delay to effect the full separation of the three State airports, as set out in the State Airports Act 2004. This process will involve the preparation of revised business plans taking account of the Cassells' recommendations. In due course, the business plans will be submitted to the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Finance for approval as regards the state airports' financial and operational readiness.

I should add that the legal commitments enshrined in the State Airports Act concerning the protection of terms and conditions of employment of State Airport employees, as well as the requirements for consultation on future collective bargaining structures, will be honoured in full.

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