Aer Lingus criticised over cuts on Cork-Dublin route

Aer Lingus is facing fierce criticism over plans to effectively halve its air services between Cork and Dublin.

The state carrier currently operates six daily flights between the two cities, and politicians and the Cork business community have described as outrageous a move to cut that figure to three.

The airline wants to reduce its commitments on the route in order to increase capacity on the more lucrative European market.

The move comes despite warnings to the government that regional tourism is facing a bleak stage

if development at Cork and Shannon airports is sacrificed to fund the controversial Pier D in Dublin.

It is widely anticipated that either Ryanair or Aer Arann will fill the breach should Aer Lingus go ahead with its plans.