Cork Airport 'disappointed' with Ryanair decision to axe Cork-Dublin route

Representatives of Cork Airport have said they are disappointed by Ryanair’s decision to end its Cork-Dublin service from October 30.

The low-fares airline earlier made the unexpected announcement it was cutting the route, while services between Dublin and Kerry will cease on September 7.

The carrier blamed a fall in passenger numbers on the Cork route because of the motorway improvements between the two cities, along with state-imposed charges on the Kerry route.

However Cork Airport officials have responded to Ryanair's assertion that "the continued excessive DAA monopoly charges at both Dublin and Cork Airports" is to blame for the route's closure, insisting that passenger and landing charges at the facility have not increased since 2004.

"Ryanair had previously stated that the main reason for the fall in passenger numbers on the route is the additional competition offered by the Cork-Dublin motorway and the lower fares from Irish Rail on its Cork-Dublin services," a statement from Cork Airport said.

"These two factors, coupled with the economic downturn and a reduction in capacity, have led to a drop in passenger numbers on the route."

"Cork Airport has invested in co-operative advertising and marketing support with Ryanair in an effort to stimulate additional demand for this route and also separately funded targeted market research into consumer behaviour relating to the route."

Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: “Ryanair regrets having to close our Dublin-Cork

and Dublin-Kerry routes.”

Ryanair said passengers who have booked to travel on the routes after their closure will be refunded.

Local business representatives were critical of the move.

"We believe that a Cork-Dublin air connection is necessary and an alternative carrier needs to be secured without delay," said Cork Chamber Chief Executive Conor Healy

“While recent improvements to road and rail options have offered additional choice and competition for those wishing to travel between the Cork region and Dublin, flight connections are still very important for those wishing to use Dublin Airport for domestic travel, in addition to onward international connections”.

Aebhric McGibney of Dublin Chamber of Commerce described the loss of the Cork-Dublin route as particularly disappointing, while Tom Randles, president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, said the community was in deep shock following Ryanair’s announcement.

“The fact remains that we need an air link to the capital in order to sustain business and tourism in the region,” Mr Randles said.

“As a town, and certainly as a county, we have invested substantial capital in enhancing the region’s tourism and business potential in recent years, but without fast, convenient access, this will severely damage our efforts and impact negatively on the two major industries on which this county depends.”

Mr Randles called on the Government to quickly implement an alternative air link to Kerry.

He also demanded an update on the tender evaluation process on the new Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, which provides subsidies for some regional routes.