Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
930. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the recommendation by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to reduce the passenger levy at Dublin Airport by 20%; the estimated lesser amount the levy would recoup in the period 2020 to 2024 compared to retaining the current level of passenger levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44876/19]
View answer961. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the implications of reductions in view of the decision of the Commission for Aviation Regulation to reduce airport charges at Dublin Airport from €9.65 to €7.50 per passenger in 2020, with ongoing reductions planned through to 2024 and the impact it could have in a number of areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/19]
View answer962. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that the Commission for Aviation Regulation has decided to reduce airport charges significantly at Dublin Airport further to an announcement (details supplied); his further views on whether these savings will be made at the cost of a State owned enterprise which is embarking on a major capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45352/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 930, 961 and 962 together.
In accordance with Aviation Regulation Act 2001, as amended, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) has statutory responsibility for setting maximum airport charges at Dublin airport taking account of national aviation policy. I have no function in setting the level of airport charge.
This independent regulation is intended to serve as a proxy for competition and to require the regulated entity (daa) to do things both in terms of pricing and quality of service provision at Dublin Airport that it would almost certainly not choose to do given a free hand. The overriding strategic objective is to ensure that current and future airport customers are presented with choice, value and quality services which also meet the highest international safety and security standards.
In the Final Determination on the maximum level of airport charges at Dublin Airport, for the period 2020 to 2024 recently announced by CAR, the average price for the period 2020 – 2024 will be €7.87. This represents an 11% reduction in the base-level 2019 price cap of €8.81 and was made following an extended period of stakeholder consultation. The reasons underpinning this Final Determination have been set out in some detail by CAR in the published document.
I understand that CAR has acknowledged the need for Dublin Airport to grow and that capital investment is required in both existing and new capacity generating infrastructure which are key pieces of national infrastructure. The price set by CAR makes provision for all capital projects proposed by the daa – up to €2.3bn of capital investment in the period. The implementation of this investment programme will result in an airport capable of serving 40m passengers per year.
With regard to the airports outside Dublin there are always competitive challenges to be faced not least because of the overlap in catchment areas with Dublin Airport and/or each other. Indeed it is for this reason that only Dublin Airport is considered to have market power that necessitates regulatory intervention to protect the interests of consumers. There is clearly a market to be served by the regional airports generally and I am confident that they will continue to successfully exploit the opportunities and grow services. With the exception of Waterford Airport which has not had scheduled services for some years, both the State-owned and other regional airports have all increased passenger traffic over recent years.
