Fears full airport independence will be stalled indefinitely

FULL independence for Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports has been taxiing on the runway for so long many observers now fear the plan will never be given clearance for takeoff.

Separation of the three hubs was proposed by the then transport minister Séamus Brennan five years ago, but the oil price shock surging through the aviation industry has added to uncertainty over the stalled proposals, despite the obstacle of final debt levels for Cork being settled.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is considering business plans compiled by Cork and Shannon, and is awaiting a comprehensive overall document from Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) within the next two weeks, before making a final decision on the separation of the trio.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has been a big cheerleader for the division initiative, but claims what is now in the offing is substantially different from that originally proposed.

“Séamus Brennan’s idea was to have Cork and Shannon airports debt-free, and for Aer Rianta International (ARI) to remain with Shannon. But Dublin has nicked all the assets of the group,” he said.

Shannon Airport Authority board member Tadhg Kearney urged that the chairpersons of Cork and Shannon airports should be involved in the preparation of the DAA document.

Shannon is keen for ownership of ARI duty-free operations and other assets of the former Aer Rianta group to be put on the table.

Despite passing legislation in 2004 paving the way for full separation, the initiative has been continually delayed with industry commentators speculating the Government is now tilting away from the idea against the background of sweeping cutbacks and uncertainty over air travel with oil prices so volatile.

Mr O’Leary has questioned the viability of Cork and Shannon as independent hubs if Dublin is allowed to retain the bulk of assets from the former group.