Airports chairman opposes break-up

OUTGOING Aer Rianta chairman Noel Hanlon says the Government should not proceed with the break-up of the company.

Mr Hanlon said there was no reason why the airports operator should be split into three companies, as Cork and Shannon would end up incurring losses for several years.

He said Aer Rianta was the “jewel in the crown” of the semi-State companies and that there would be difficulties with the break-up because of the financial burdens placed on the individual airports with heavy debts being put on the southern facilities.