Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason he is not prepared to end the monopoly at Dublin Airport of the Dublin Airport Authority, whose inefficiencies have led to a worsening service and increased charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47375/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the policy of increasing airport charges at a time when passenger numbers are falling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47376/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

The Dublin Airport Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of Dublin Airport. I have no proposals to change this. As the country's major gateway Dublin Airport has the capacity to serve the needs of passengers for the foreseeable future. The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) regulates airport charges levied at Dublin Airport. In carrying out its mandate CAR has the following primary statutory objectives under section 33 (1) of the Aviation Regulation Act 2001:

(a) to facilitate the efficient and economic development and operation of Dublin Airport which meet the requirements of current and prospective users of Dublin Airport

(b) to protect the reasonable interests of current and prospective users of Dublin Airport in relation to Dublin Airport, and

(c) to enable Dublin Airport Authority to operate and develop Dublin Airport in a sustainable and financially viable manner

In its recent airport charges determination of 4th December last, CAR has set out comprehensively its approach to increases authorised for the period 2010- 2014. Details are available on CAR's website (www. aviationreg.ie) I have no role in the setting of airport charges at Cork and Shannon airports, which is the responsibility of the airport authority. Charges at the six regional airports, which are owned and operated independently, are also a matter for each airport concerned.