Written answers

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

State Airports

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 575: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the terms of reference he has given to consultants on the future ownership and operation of Cork and Shannon airports; if the consultants are being asked to consider the possible privatisation of these airports; if he will specify the level of consultation he has had with the boards of Cork and Shannon airports on this consultancy work; and when he expects to receive the report from the consultants and to bring recommendations to Government on the matter. [32201/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will recall that in 2008 my predecessor postponed until 2011 making a decision on the separation of Cork and Shannon airports as envisaged under the State Airports Act 2004. It thus falls on me now to consider the future of the airports. I have consulted Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport authorities on this question and their unanimous view is that there is no support for separation, as originally envisaged.

However, it is clear that the present arrangement, in place since 2004, whereby Cork and Shannon have their own boards but have limited autonomy from the Dublin Airport Authority cannot continue indefinitely. Accordingly, following a tender process I have appointed Booz and Company, who are experts in aviation matters, to provide me with wide ranging advice on all possible options for the future ownership and operation of the airports so that I can propose informed recommendations to Government.

I have asked the consultants to consult as widely as possible with stakeholders in Cork and Shannon on sustainable options for the two airports. Their mandate is to report back to me by the end of this month and I hope to bring proposals to Government as soon as possible thereafter.

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