Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2010
75 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the information he has received from the Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus on any proposed reactivation of routes to the UK and proposed cancellation of key Shannon US routes; the action he will take to address concerns about aviation connectivity at Shannon and our other national and regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26827/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Aer Lingus recently launched four new routes from Shannon to the UK, under its Aer Lingus Regional franchise with Aer Arann. I also understand that extra capacity will be deployed at Shannon for winter 2010 with a larger A321 aircraft to service the Shannon Heathrow route. The Government regrets the decision of Aer Lingus to suspend transatlantic services from Shannon for 11 weeks in winter 2010/11. However, I am satisfied from a meeting I had with the Aer Lingus CEO on 15 June that the airline is maintaining employment at the airport and I welcome the fact that Aer Lingus has reiterated its commitment to the Shannon market.
With regard to aviation connectivity generally, the Deputy will be aware that the market for air services in the European Union was fully liberalised in 1992. All European carriers are free to compete and operate on an equal basis within the European market. Decisions on the operation of commercial air services from any particular State Airport or Regional Airport are entirely a matter for air carriers, in conjunction with the relevant airport authority.
Within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures and has also sought to influence the wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place. In this context, the development of our bilateral aviation relations with emerging economic powers, such as China and India, is one of my Department's key long-term goals. The development of airport infrastructure and US preclearance facilities at Shannon and Dublin, which are unique in Europe, complement this strategy.
