Vol. 563 No. 6
85 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the imposition of a charge on coaches for dropping off passengers at Dublin Airport is an additional unnecessary cost and is only alienating tourists at the point where they are departing this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8556/03]
86 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to investigate the charges levied on coach drivers for dropping off passengers to Dublin Airport, in view of the negative impact this is having on the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8554/03]
87 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the reason Dublin Airport is the only airport to charge coach drivers for dropping off its passengers, the majority of whom would be elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8555/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 87, inclusive, together.
Aer Rianta has statutory responsibility to manage and operate the three State airports, including Dublin Airport and I do not propose to involve myself in operational matters such as these.
For the information of the Deputy, however, Aer Rianta informs me that all drop offs and pick ups for tour buses and coaches are accommodated in the new coach park which is located at the rear of the multi-storey car park. This new coach park was built last year to reduce congestion on the road in front of the terminal building and to accommodate the increased demand for parking for tour coaches and buses. The charges levied by Aer Rianta seek to remunerate the capital cost of providing the new coach park and its ongoing operating costs.
I understand that the actual charges and charging structure were agreed following consultation between Aer Rianta and the National Coach Council. The charges are not levied on the passengers in the coaches but rather on the coach drivers or operators who are accessing and using the airport coach park facility for commercial-business reasons.
