Vol. 513 No. 3
136 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 16 November 1999, she has received further communication or correspondence from the chairman of Aer Lingus arising from the cessation of the Aer Lingus Knock to Birmingham service; the further discussions, if any, she has had with airline authorities in regard to further flights into Knock Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2405/00]
As stated in reply to the earlier parliamentary question referred to by Deputy Kenny, I conveyed, as promised, to the Aer Lingus Chairman the concerns of the House at the cessation by Aer Lingus of their Knock-Birmingham service. The Deputy will also be aware that Aer Lingus has a strict commercial mandate from the Government and that it is not within my power to instruct the airline to operate any particular route. This is a matter for the commercial judgment of the airline.
However, I have asked my Department to initiate the procedures necessary in order to introduce, before the end of this year, a public service obligation on the Knock-Dublin route under the essential air services programme.
The introduction of such a route would serve to further improve accessibility and encourage the growth of both industry and tourism related activities in the west and north west.
While on the subject, I was particularly pleased that Ryanair have decided to continue their Knock to Stansted service as normal after Christmas.
