Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by the Dublin Airport Authority on its reported €20 million programme for job cuts at Dublin Airport and the postponement of the second runway at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1559/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Dublin Airport Authority operates under a clear commercial mandate and its capital investment programme, including the proposed new parallel runway, is entirely funded from its own internal resources. Proposals in relation to the development of Dublin Airport are, in the first instance, a matter for the DAA, which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airport and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers. Accordingly, any proposals for the postponement of the second runway or for cost cutting measures are matters that fall within the responsibility of the management and board of the DAA.

However, I have been informed by the company, that it will be reviewing its proposed capital investment programme for the period 2010 to 2014. The DAA expects that the programme will be reduced significantly, reflecting the new, lower growth, forecast of passenger numbers during this period. For the same reasons, I understand that the DAA plans to implement a cost-savings programme covering operating costs including payroll costs. However, the company continues to believe that the long term outlook for passenger growth at Dublin remains positive.