Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
1178. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the basis for his assertion that the recent actions in relation to Shannon Airport will have no impact on the operations of Ireland West Airport Knock; if he will outline the safeguards in place to prevent Shannon from targeting Knock Airport for airline routes or passenger business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1822/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government decided in November to proceed with the separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and to merge it with a restructured Shannon Development to form a new integrated Shannon entity in public ownership. The Order specifying the date of separation of Shannon Airport from the DAA was executed last month following its approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas and, as decided by Government, that date was 31st December 2012. On that day, the assets and business of Shannon Airport were transferred from the DAA to the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA).
All Irish airports should operate to a commercial mandate and I have stressed on numerous occasions that regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock, must work towards achieving operational viability over the near term. In this regard, apart from the consideration of restructuring the State-owned airports, I have also endeavoured to rationalise the system of State support for the regional airports not owned or controlled by the state including those in the ownership of private companies and trust and the Government now has a settled policy in relation to those airports.
I believe that these measures will give rise to some degree of increased competition not only between the State airports but also between them and the regional airports, including Knock and Kerry airports. The measures we are taking are focused on increasing the overall number of passengers to and from Ireland through increased efficiencies and attracting new aviation business that would otherwise not be based in Ireland which will have a beneficial national impact.
I am confident that the measures will form the basis for sound, sustainable, airport businesses into the future that will support the growth of these sectors and help drive Ireland’s economic recovery. Furthermore, I am confident that there is a role for all remaining airports in providing scheduled air access for Ireland including IWAK, Shannon, Donegal, Waterford and Kerry. I know the Deputy will be aware of the importance of transatlantic connections and access to Heathrow through Shannon to the West of Ireland including his constituency and that he will want to see the airport's decline halted.
