Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed separation of Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports; if he will repeal the State Airports Act 2004; if he will revise the debt allocation arrangements that are in place for the three airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46343/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

All three airport business plans have to be coordinated by the Dublin Airport Authority for eventual approval by myself and the Minister for Finance. Among the requirements to be satisfied in advance of separation is the need to ensure the financial sustainability of all three state airports.

I have now received business plans from each of the state airports and I have been in consultation with the three Airport Authorities concerning the approach to the separation of Cork and Shannon having regard to the current economic climate and trends in the aviation market generally. I hope to announce the outcome of those consultations shortly.

I should add that the repeal of the State Airports Act, 2004 does not arise.