Air Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004

Thursday, 16 December 2004

Questions (146)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

146 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the information he has available to him concerning the recent arrangement entered into between the interim board of the Shannon Airport Authority and Ryanair in relation to new routes; if this involves a payment per passenger by the SAA to the airline; if he has satisfied himself that this is acceptable under EU competition rules; the likely annual cost to the Dublin Airport Authority which this will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33986/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Both the Shannon Airport Authority and Ryanair issued press statements on 30 November 2004 announcing the agreement by the airline to expand services at Shannon Airport. The airport authority has also published its new route and growth incentive scheme for 2005 on its website.

The manner in which airport charges are levied at the State airports, including Shannon Airport, is a matter for the airport authorities subject to compliance with the airport charges determination of the independent Commission for Aviation Regulation and to any relevant EU requirements. I have no function with regard to these matters.