Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Air Services.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1270 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the Government's policy regarding low cost airlines; the measures the Government is putting in place to enable and to encourage such airlines to operate to and from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16687/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

The Government's policy is to have as many airlines as possible, including low cost airlines, providing as many air services as possible to and from our airports, in the interests of tourism and trade.

Arising from the impact of the events of September 11 last year on aviation and tourism, the Government set up an interdepartmental group to look at the broad interaction between aviation and tourism and commissioned the Doganis report to provide an independent, expert view on strategies to reduce the impact on the Irish aviation and tourism sectors of those events.

The Doganis report recognized the growing importance of low-cost airlines as key players in the aviation and tourism sectors and specifically identified the need, on behalf of those airlines, for further facilities at Dublin Airport to cater for the rapid turnaround of aircraft when they are on the ground.

The programme for Government commits to ensuring the provision of a new, low cost, pier at Dublin Airport without delay. This new pier will provide the necessary additional rapid turnaround facilities and thereby improve the efficiency of both airport and carriers' operations.

To this end, Aer Rianta recently submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council in respect of a new, permanent, two-storey pier. The Company also intends to submit a planning application for a temporary pier facility by the end of this week. Subject to planning permission being secured, the temporary facility will be in place and operational by the beginning of May next year i.e. in good time for the peak summer tourism season.In relation to the proposed permanent pier facility, I have indicated to the board of Aer Rianta that while I have no objection to the company proceeding with its planning application and other preparatory work, no contractual commitments should be entered into before the Government makes a decision with regard to the possible provision of a second independent or competing terminal at Dublin Airport.