Grounded Ireland gives qualified welcome to new policy

Aviation lobby group Grounded Ireland tonight welcomed the government's new aviation policy package, but expressed disappointment that there were no developments on increased access to US markets.

"As it stands, it's certainly welcome,” said spokesman, John Fitzpatrick.

“The terminal decisions are particularly welcome, because it will give Dublin Airport the capacity it needs to support growth for the foreseeable future.

“It will introduce much needed competition for the DAA and hopefully, make Dublin Airport much more user-friendly.

“A lot more needs to be done, however. The current runway length, for example, is going to be an obstacle to growth, particularly on long haul markets."