Future of airport to be assessed after Easter
Transport minister Martin Cullen is to bring proposals to Government after Easter on the future of Air Lingus and Dublin Airport, it emerged today.
Mr Cullen brought a detailed memo on the issues to today’s Cabinet meeting and it was discussed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his ministers.
Deputising for Mr Ahern in the Dáil today, Tánaiste Mary Harney confirmed that Minister Cullen briefed the Cabinet on aviation matters but no decision was sought or made by the Government.
She said the Government would revisit the matter again after Easter when Mr Cullen would bring forward solid proposals.
These are expected to include the part-privatisation of Aer Lingus to fund fleet expansion and the building of a second terminal at Dublin Airport.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked if there was division within the Cabinet on whether the Dublin Airport Authority or a private operator should run the terminal.
But Ms Harney said that stronger competition and greater capacity were more important than who owned and ran the terminal.
“The only issues that are important here are capacity and competition… who may own such a facility is not the issue but rather competition that will drive efficiency for consumers and capacity so that the long delays that are being experienced by too many passengers can be eliminated.”
Earlier, Ms Harney denied claims there was a rift in the Government over Mr Cullen’s proposals for the airport terminal.
Mr Kenny said: “The Government always seems to be one report away from action.”
“Are we to be another summer away from action on this [terminal] which was promised in the agreed Programme for Government three years ago.”
A Government decision on the future investment of Aer Lingus was initially promised in December but postponed for talks with unions.
The chief executive-designate of British Airways, Willie Walsh and two executives later left Aer Lingus after doubts over the future of the national carrier.
Mr Cullen has held a series high-level meetings with unions and other interests over the past fortnight on the issue.
