Vol. 512 No. 3
62 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has discussed the Ryanair proposal to build a new pier at Dublin Airport at a cost of £12 million with a resulting reduction in airport landing charges, with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26018/99]
Ryanair's proposal of recent months involves opening new routes to Europe from Dublin and Shannon contingent on the company being allowed to invest £12 million in a new pier at Dublin Airport in return for a low cost charging regime of £1 per departing passenger.
I have already stated in this House and elsewhere my belief that, as a general principle, any proposal for airline or other private funding of terminal facilities at Dublin Airport, even if it were structured on an equitable commercial basis between Aer Rianta and the airline concerned, could not be permitted exclusively for one airline. An opportunity to conclude such a deal with Aer Rianta, or alternatively to get from Aer Rianta airport charges arrangements of equivalent effect, would have to be offered to all airlines.
As I have clearly indicated on numerous occasions, I do not personally favour the specific Ryanair proposal and while I have not discussed it with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Tánaiste would, of course, be aware of my publicly expressed views.
