Break up of Aer Rianta is passed through the Seanad

The State Airports Bill has been passed in the Seanad without a vote.

After many contentious debates in the Dáil and the Seanad, the way is now clear for the formal break-up of Aer Rianta.

This bill will see Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports break away from the control of Aer Rianta next April.

Each airport will now answer to a separate authority in each of the three locations.

Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports will then have the ability to compete against each other in the passenger and cargo businesses.

It is hoped that this initiative will boost tourism in the three regions.

However, the real battle now will get underway as each airport prepares viable business plans to ensure survival in the market place.