Emigrant family devastated by the loss of Cork-Glasgow flight link

I AM concerned over the recent closure of Ryanair routes from Cork airport, in particular the Cork-Prestwick daily service.

Having lived in Cork all my life, I moved to Glasgow two years ago.

My family and I welcomed Ryanair’s service on this route because there is no other connection between Glasgow and Cork. I was devastated by the news that the airline would be closing the route due to a 20% increase in airport handling charges imposed by the Dublin Airport Authority. Given that the destinations served out of Cork are still limited, especially in the current economic climate, why we aren’t encouraging airlines like Ryanair if anything to expand their routes and put Cork and southern Ireland on the map is beyond me. Evidently, increasing airport charges only results in airlines flying elsewhere and thereby benefiting local business and tourism somewhere other than Cork.

However controversial and outspoken Ryanair may be, the fact remains it has been providing an extremely valuable service to Cork and southern Ireland and the closure of these routes will have a very profound effect on business, tourism and the local community.

Surely it would be in the interest of Cork and the south of Ireland if the Government were to support growth out of Cork airport instead of allowing the Dublin Airport Authority to impose stupid charges that ensure just the opposite.

Edel Wright

29 Whiteside Drive

Monkton

Ayrshire KA92PU

Scotland