Finian McGrath
Question:1049 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the economic reasons for the break up of Aer Rianta; and the reason for his hostility towards semi-state companies. [20075/03]
Written Answers. - State Airports.
As the Deputy will be aware, the agreed programme for Government included a commitment to continue to transform Aer Rianta and, as part of that process, to ensure that Shannon and Cork Airports have greater autonomy and independence. In July last, the Government decided to establish the three State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork as fully independent and autonomous authorities under State ownership. I will shortly be seeking Government approval for the drafting of the necessary amending legislation to give effect to this decision and I would hope that this legislation could be enacted by the end of the year. I appointed the chairmen of the new boards-desig nate for the three airport companies on 28 July last and I expect to be in a position shortly to announce the other members of these boards. My Department is also at an advanced stage of a public procurement process to engage expert advisers to assist with the implementation of the Government decision. It would be my hope that the three new State airport companies could be up and running on a statutory basis in the first half of next year.
There has been a broad level of support for the Government's decision to establish the three airports as fully autonomous authorities under State ownership. The new arrangements are designed to strengthen and expand each of three airports and to give both Shannon and Cork a fresh, debt-free start under strong and visionary leadership. I believe that all three airports can perform even better than they have to date and, through more focused commercial operation, each can play a greater role in stimulating and supporting regional economic activity to the benefit of their customers, both airlines and passengers, and of Irish tourism, trade and industry.
Question No. 1050 answered with Question No. 1026.