Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the three airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon following his decision to postpone separation; his plans going forward; if changes are required in terms of corporate governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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When I considered the business plans of the three airports and the views of the boards, I accepted their overall conclusion that it would be best to defer the separation of the three airports (under the State Airports Act 2004) given the current very difficult aviation market. I took the view that it would be best to provide a reasonable period of time to enable the boards and management to address the very significant challenges facing the aviation market and decided to defer separation to 2011.

Discussions are taking place between the chairpersons of the three airport authorities to ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are in place in the period before eventual separation. The aim is to put in place structures that will allow Cork and Shannon airports to be operated under a commercial mandate at local level while ensuring appropriate safeguards for accountability to the DAA. I should add that these governance arrangements will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years. Shannon Airport will also be in a strong position to reap the benefits of US preclearance facilities, due for introduction at the airport in the summer.