On September 2nd 2009, I announced the establishment of Dublin Aerospace Ltd, a new aviation maintenance provider supported by Government through Enterprise Ireland. Dublin Aerospace aims to establish a best-in-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Dublin Airport, servicing APUs, Landing Gear, Base Maintenance and Training. The company has commenced operations with 32 initial employees recruited. This number is anticipated to grow to 226 jobs. The Garage business unit of SR Technics has been taken over by the M50 Truck and Van Centre who were successful in securing the airside vehicle maintenance contract from SR Technics. SR Technics will continue to operate the Line Maintenance contract for Aer Lingus until a suitable acceptable operator is agreed between both companies.
A total of 54 apprentice aircraft mechanics and 6 apprentice mechanical automation and maintenance fitters were made redundant by S.R. Technics in April this year. At the time 26 apprentice mechanics were at Phase 5 of their apprenticeship and are scheduled to do Phase 6 off-the-job training in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) from 22 February until 11 June 2010. There were 27 apprentice mechanics at Phase 3 and they have since completed a special Phase 4 off-the-job training programme in DIT on 4 September 2009 last. This group will also be provided with Phase 6 training in February 2011. Of the 6 apprentice fitters who were at Phase 5, 2 are currently required to re-sit outstanding examinations before they can progress, 3 are scheduled to commence Phase 4 off-the-job training in January 2010 and 1 is currently completing Phase 4 off-the-job training. All apprentices will be required to complete on-the-job training with a FÁS approved employer, and my Department and FÁS are working to ensure appropriate training opportunities for all redundant apprentices.