Govt rules out state aid for Aer Lingus

Public Enterprise Minister Mary O’Rourke has told the Dail that the Government cannot provide aid to Aer Lingus at the moment because of Europe’s competition laws.

However, the minister said she will be lobbying the European Commission to exempt Aer Lingus from these laws because Ireland is the only island nation within the EU.

Mrs O’Rourke said she will be telling the Council of European Transport Ministers that it is important for Aer Lingus to continue as a viable entity.

The minister also said that bookings on transatlantic Aer Lingus flights have fallen by 80% since September 11.

She told her Dail colleagues that the situation at the state airline is extremely grave.

In an attempt to offset a crisis and attract new business, she announced that landing charges will be abolished for anyone setting up new routes into Dublin Airport.