Brennan criticised by Aer Rianta chairman

Former Transport Minister Seamus Brennan received another blow tonight when he was severely criticised by the outgoing chairman of Aer Rianta.

Noel Hanlon claimed aviation interests would be greatly relieved to see the veteran politician transferred from the Department of Transport in the cabinet reshuffle.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had insisted Mr Brennan’s enforced move to Social and Family Affairs was not a demotion, however, Mr Hanlon said it suggested he was not acting in the best interests of the Irish public.

“I think to the aviation industry, it is a great relief he is no longer minister,” Mr Hanlon said.

Mr Hanlon claimed Mr Brennan’s restructuring plans had had a negative effect on the nation’s airports.

“I’ve completed my term of office, my 10 years are up, he’s had only a short time in Transport,” he said.

“Obviously it must have been considered that he wasn’t doing the job in the best interests of the Irish people and the Irish Government and he’s been moved out of that position.”

Mr Hanlon told RTE radio it was clear that former Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy shared his view that Shannon Airport could not survive as an independent entity, particularly if the Shannon stopover disappeared.

He rejected suggestions that Aer Rianta was inefficient, but conceded that there was a serious congestion problem at Dublin Airport.

However, he blamed the Government for preventing the Aer Rianta board from proceeding with developing the airport.

The Dublin Airport Authority takes over the running of airports from Aer Rianta at the end of the week as part of the controversial plans to restructure the industry.