Dempsey threatens to reconsider airports break-up

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has reportedly threatened to reconsider the Government's decision to allow Ireland's main state airports operate as independent competing entities.

Reports this morning say Mr Dempsey has appointed industrial relations expert Peter Cassells to mediate in a row between Dublin Airport and Cork Airport.

The dispute centres on who should pay the €200m bill for the new terminal building at Cork Airport.

The Government promised when it broke up Aer Rianta that Cork would be allowed to begin independent operations debt-free.

However, Dublin Airport is refusing to pay the cost of the Cork terminal.

This morning's reports say Mr Dempsey has threatened to re-examine the policy of separating state airports from the control of the Dublin Airport Authority if Mr Cassells cannot resolve the row.