David Stanton
Ceist:46 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the future status and development of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28580/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 July 2009
Ceisteanna (51, 52)
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:49 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the status of the State Airports Act 2004; if he will repeal the legislation; if so, the timeframe for the repeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28402/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 46 together.
In December last, following the recommendations of the boards of the three State Airport Authorities, I announced the deferral until 2011 of a decision on the separation of the Airports under the State Airports Act, 2004 given the current very difficult circumstances for the aviation sector.
When I considered the business plans of the three airports and the views of the boards, I accepted their overall conclusion that it would be best to defer the separation of the three airports. I took the view that it would be best to provide a reasonable period of time to enable the boards and management of these airports to address the very significant challenges facing the aviation market and decided to defer a decision on separation to 2011.
New governance arrangements, which have now been agreed with the Dublin Airport Authority, will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years.
In the circumstances the repeal of the State Airports Act, 2004 does not arise.