Bernard Allen
Question:22 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on a recent statement advocating privatisation of Ireland's airports by the President of the Irish Hotels Federation at its annual conference. [7133/98]
Written Answers. - Airport Privatisation.
Ireland has six private airports in addition to the three State-owned airports, so the concept of privatising Ireland's airports arises only in respect of Cork, Dublin and Shannon which are managed by Aer Rianta.
I have not seen any evidence that the ownership structure of the State airports acts in a way which inhibits the operation of those airports or limits access to air services. Increased numbers of flights and of destinations served have recently been announced for Cork and Shannon airports, the two airports to which the hotels federation president has referred. In addition, all three State owned airports experienced record passenger numbers in 1997 and further increased growth is expected in 1998.