Cullen disappointment at airport resignation

Martin Cullen today expressed disappointment over the resignation of the SIPTU director from the Dublin Airport Authority.

The union worker and director, Dermot O’Loughlin, resigned in protest over the lack of consultation over Ryanair’s proposed deal for Shannon Airport.

Minister Cullen said he was unhappy with the departure of the SIPTU director. “I can only say that I am disappointed,” he said.

“I would hope that everybody would have the capacity to look at the bigger picture There is a huge future for Dublin, there is a huge future for Shannon and there is a huge future for Cork of that there is absolutely no doubt.

“I think they wanted to a degree to be masters of their own destiny and I think that is the way it has to be.”

Mr O’Loughlin, who joined the authority on October 26 last, said he had received an e-mail concerning the proposal late on November 29 last. The deal allows airlines certain discounts on landing fees if Ryanair base planes at Shannon.