Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 2

Written Answers. - Regional Airports.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

19 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by regional airports because of the withdrawal of services by both Aer Lingus and Ryanair; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The operators of regional airports are currently experiencing difficulties in maintaining traffic levels through their airports as a result of the international recession in air transport which, over the last year or so, has particularly affected the level of services operated by carriers serving our regional airports. 1991 was a particularly difficult year, financially, for both the airlines and the airports.

The services operated by Aer Lingus during the coming summer from the regional airports will be at the same level as summer 1991, except that a new daily early morning service will be introduced from Galway to Dublin with effect from 1 June 1992. Ryanair services from Kerry county and Galway airports to London Stansted will this year be operated direct instead of through Waterford airport as formerly. Loganair will operate three services per week from Carrickfin to Glasgow during the summer of 1992.

The operation of air services to and from the regional airports is a matter for the air carriers concerned having regard to the economic viability of particular routes. I have no power to compel the carriers to continue to operate particular services or to introduce new services.