It’s time to stand up and fight for airport

I REFER to your report (Irish Examiner, July 13) where “a senior source within Government” gave a reassurance that the level of the debt for Cork airport will not leave it in a vulnerable position.

Cork Chamber is stunned that there has been no reaction to this comment, leaked after the Dáil went into recess for the summer holidays.

What this really amounts to is that the Government and Dublin Airport Authority have already decided, without hearing from their consultants PWC, that Cork Airport Authority will start life with a debt despite the promises of Seamus Brennan in 2003 that our new airport would be independent and debt-free.

If we are to ignore what is being done quietly by Government over the holiday period, we will end up with higher landing charges at Cork airport to help repay the debt.

This will mean our airport will be less attractive to low-cost airlines, including Aer Lingus, and we will still have to travel to Dublin or Shannon for a choice of European or American destinations.

Where are the voices of Cork’s TDs, or are we all just accepting the Government will roll us over?

In the words of Munster rugby, ‘stand up and fight’.

Let your TDs and councillors know your views before it is too late.

Roger Flack

President

Cork Chamber

Fitzgerald House

Summerhill North

Cork.