Brennan 'very concerned' about Ryanair ruling

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan told the EU in a letter made public today that the Government is "very concerned" about the potential impact of a European Commission ruling against Ryanair, for receipt of state aid for using Charleroi airport in Belgium.

A spokesperson said that Brennan, who is currently chairman of the European Union Council of Ministers, sent the letter yesterday to EU Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio.

Brennan, who discussed the issue with de Palacio in Brussels last week, said in his letter that "the Irish administration is very concerned at the possible impact that this decision, if adopted, could have on Irish and European aviation both as regards airports and in particular, low-cost air services" .

He said: "It is my view that general rules of this nature should be fully considered by the Transport Council before being applied."

The European Commission today ruled today that 25-30% of the €15m Ryanair received from from Belgium's Wallonia regional government, which owns Charleroi airport, was illegal.

There was no confirmation as to whether Ryanair would have to repay all of the rest, but it is likely that at least €4m will have to be reimbursed.