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.