Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 5

Adjournment Debate. - Knock Airport Cargo Services.

Mr. Perry

Let me pay tribute to my predecessor the former Deputy, Ted Nealon, who served the constituency of Sligo-Leitrim well. When history is written it will show that he brought about huge changes in the development of that constituency. I intend to share my time with Deputy Michael Ring.

In reply to a question regarding the removal of cargo freight into Knock Airport, the Minister stated that the operating licences granted to Irish air carriers by the Department in accordance with Regulation No. 2407/92 do not impose any conditions which oblige the licensee to provide any particular services or to operate on any specific route. The Minister should have a say in certain cases. I appreciate the Minister's reply regarding the conditions which apply to the granting of air transport operating licences and, in particular, the information regarding the company which has ceased the carriage of cargo on all its services, not just those operating to Knock Airport. The cessation of this air service has far more serious implications for the west and north-west than for other parts of the country which have alternative air cargo services. Families and firms in Counties Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon are now left totally without a regular air cargo service. This is one more example of the loss of an important service for the people of this part of the west.

Apart from the disadvantage which this poses for existing business firms in the area and for the attraction of industry, which is very important for the west at the moment, there is a particular hardship involved in the loss of the air transport funeral service which was provided by the operating company in recent years. There was a significant convenience for a large number of families in the west when a relative or family member died abroad and was being brought home for burial. Families will again be faced with the cost and traffic difficulties of bringing the remains of relatives to Dublin Airport rather than having a proper funeral service available through Knock.

I understand that before the cessation of this cargo traffic was announced it was the intention of the board of Knock Airport to provide a funeral home at the airport to further facilitate this much used service. The Minister stated that Ryanair felt this was a problem, but the management of Knock Airport can solve the problem by providing a funeral parlour at Knock Airport.

Will the Minister consider what steps she might take to remedy this matter or to encourage the operating company to provide even an occasional service to facilitate, in particular, this important funeral service? Would she also consider whether, in view of this total loss of air cargo services for a considerable portion of the west, the EU essential air services provision, which allows for a subsidy to encourage passenger service to operate in remote and disadvantaged regions and which would not normally attract a commercial operator, might be extended to include cargo service to Knock?

Mr. Ring

I thank Deputy Perry for sharing his time with me and congratulate him on bringing this very important motion before the Dáil. I understand the Minister only issues the licences and that she has little power in regard to this. I compliment Mr. Cathal Duffy and the board on the excellent job they are doing in Knock. Five funerals a week used to come into Knock Airport. The board was considering building its own church and mortuary there. I condemn Ryanair for treating the west with contempt. It is not the Minister's function, but perhaps she would contact the managing director of Ryanair to ask that company to reconsider restoring cargo services to the west. She might also try to help the board of Knock Airport to get a second carrier into the airport because there are dangers in monopolies. The west has suffered and I am asking to Minister to try to do something about it.

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I do not know whether this was Deputy Perry's maiden speech, but I congratulate him on it and on having gained a seat here. I join him in his tributes to the retired Deputy, Ted Nealon. I also praise the Deputy's commitment and doggedness in this matter because the matter is outside my remit. The Minister of State, Deputy Tom Moffatt, who is here on other business, has spoken to me about this matter, as has Deputy Beverly Cooper-Flynn.

Ryanair has ceased the carriage of cargo on all air services, including those operating to Knock Airport. That company has advised my Department that because of this decision it no longer has the handling facilities appropriate to the carrying of human remains and, therefore, could not guarantee to handle such remains with the dignity and respect that would be required. Death is traumatic for anybody, but it is even more so for families waiting to bring the mortal remains of a loved one home. I sympathise with any family facing the prospect. At a time of trauma it would be comforting to know that the last journey of the deceased and those who travel with them is handled with efficiency and dignity. I regret the loss of this facility at Knock Airport and all other airports served by Ryanair. It is, however, a matter outside my control.

I share the disquiet of the Deputies of the area who have spoken here about the matter. It has been probed by officials in my Department and they have been informed that this was a commercial decision of the airline in question and, as such, a matter for the company. Deputy Ring has acknowledged that this is the difficulty I face. However, on foot of this debate and queries from my parliamentary colleague, the Minister of State, Deputies Cooper-Flynn, Perry, Ring and other Deputies who are not here, I will ask my officials to go back and talk again to Ryanair. I am aware that the board intended to build a small church where people could receive bodies and grieve with dignity.

The substance of the matter raised relates to the funding subsidy provided to Knock Airport to enable it to extend its services. Everybody knows the history of Knock. There is a consensus that it is not just a boggy place but a good commercial enterprise, well run, and with further potential. Deputy Jim Higgins was always in favour of it even when his own party and the Minister at the time, Deputy Jim Mitchell, were firmly against it. The recent success of Knock in terms of increasing passenger numbers and profits is heartening. Passenger numbers in 1996 were more than 20 per cent up on the previous year's figures. The Exchequer has made a considerable investment in Knock Airport. Under the former Taoiseach, Mr. Charlie Haughey, Knock Airport received grants amounting to £9.8 million which were later written off. Further funds, amounting to over £200,000, were made available from the European Regional Development Fund. There was a marketing package amounting to £270,000 in 1993 and £67,000 in 1995. All the regional airports benefit under the scheme. Knock airport will receive £250,000 in the period 1996-9. This is a considerable sum but it is well deserved and will be well spent. I hope to visit the airport shortly in an official capacity.

I strongly align myself with the remarks about the efficient way the board runs its business. It continues to engender much activity at the airport. This is a story of courage and determination to ensure its survival. I wish the board well and will ask my officials to explore the matter further with Ryanair.