Vol. 489 No. 6
218 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government directions, if any, given to Aer Rianta regarding airport charges, particularly the charging for new routes; if so, if these directions are still in force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9348/98]
As agent of the Minister for Public Enteprise, Aer Rianta manages the three State airports on my behalf and must submit any proposal for an increase in airport charges for my approval.
There have been no formal directions issued to Aer Rianta regarding airport charges. Successive Ministers, however, have conveyed to Aer Rianta that charges at the three State airports should be kept as low as possible, consistent with the proper commercial management of the airports, in the interests of the development of the aviation and tourism sectors.
The position in relation to airport charges is that there has been no increase since 1987. Furthermore, since 1994, growth incentive discount schemes have been in operation, which apply to new routes and new traffic on existing routes. The current scheme consists of a rolling five year traffic growth incentive scheme which was introduced with effect from 1 January 1997 and approved by my predecessor.
