asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will outline the functions of the proposed new company which is being set up to control air traffic to airports in the west and south west.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Air Traffic Control.
17.
Three private air companies are discussing arrangements for co-operative working of internal air services, but I do not yet know the details of the arrangements proposed by the parties concerned.
Is it proposed to form a new company?
Yes. I brought them together because I thought it unwise to have three private internal companies operating. The economics of internal air transport would not justify having three companies so I brought them together and they met under an official of my Department and in broad principle they agreed to come together and they are now working out an arrangement.
Would this be independent of Aer Rianta?
They are thinking in terms of getting Aer Lingus involved in it also.
Would Aer Rianta be given jurisdiction over them?
This is purely on the air transport aspect, not the airport aspect.