I propose to take Questions Nos. 800 and 815 to 820, inclusive, together.
As the Deputies will be aware, both Dublin and Cork Airports are owned and managed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which operates under a clear commercial mandate. The development of Cork Airport, the promotion of new routes at the Airport and the issue of air links between the two airports, are matters for DAA and Cork Airport management and are not matters in which I have a direct role, although I am willing to be supportive in any way that I can.
With regard to the establishment of a PSO route, the Deputies will be aware that in 2011 the Government reduced the number of routes covered by PSO air services to two, Donegal and Kerry, in line with the recommendations of the Value for Money Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme. This Review took account of a number of factors including the performance of the services, the requirement to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources as well as improvements in alternative transport modes and changes in EU legislation covering PSO services. Any such PSO service would require EU approval that is far from certain and therefore, it is not my intention to revisit this decision in relation to the Cork to Dublin route.
I understand that Cork Airport management has ongoing discussions and dialogue with Ryanair on the development of new routes and services. I am pleased to note that Ryanair increased its business there by almost 30% in 2013. There is adequate capacity to handle any such expansion in the existing terminal. I also understand that the question of the use of the old terminal does not arise as it has been decommissioned for use as an airport terminal.
I am of course conscious of the importance of Cork Airport in the development of the economy of the region as a whole, in particular, tourism. This is one of the reasons why DAA are now in the process of establishing a Development Council for Cork Airport. This Council will provide for strong engagement with, and alignment among, key stakeholders in the Cork region and will serve to foster a common understanding, particularly at local level, of issues of concern, potential opportunities for growth and the operating performance of the airport. I hope the Council will be successful in its work as a vibrant Cork Airport will ultimately benefit both Cork and the wider region.