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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 3

Written Answers. - Marketing by Airports.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

28 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself that there is a co-ordinated approach in the international marketing of Ireland by the various airports in this country. [6147/95]

There are nine airports in the State which provide scheduled air passenger services — the three State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork, which are managed by Aer Rianta on my behalf; and the six privately owned and operated regional airports located mainly in the west.

I am satisfied that there is a co-ordinated approach in the marketing of the State-owned airports. As part of its management responsibility, Aer Rianta promotes traffic at Dublin and Cork Airports. These two airports have a high volume of originating and destination traffic in their hinterlands.

Shannon Airport, because of the low density population of its hinterland, does not have a significant volume of originating and destination traffic in its catchment region. This means that the airport must be vigorously marketed abroad. The promotion of traffic at Shannon is the responsibility of Shannon Airport Marketing, which was set up with effect from 1 October 1994 following the Report of the Shannon Traffic Development Task Force.

The promotion and marketing of the regional airports is a matter for the owners of these airports.

There are no limitations on the capacity which may be offered by airlines operating into or out of Irish airports.
Whether a particular airline wishes to operate on any specific route is a matter for decision by that airline on the basis of its own commercial judgment. This encourages competition between the airports in attracting new operators.
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