Airport authority not hostile to Shannon

DEPUTY Michael Noonan is completely wrong to argue that the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is hostile to the fortunes of Shannon airport (‘Noonan lets fly at Tánaiste over mid-west inaction,’ Irish Examiner, February 2).

Over the past three years, the DAA has invested more than €50 million in a range of capital projects to improve the facilities at Shannon. The DAA has directly funded projects such as the construction of a new customs and border protection pre-clearance facility (CBP), which is the first such service in Europe, as well as upgrades to the runway, taxiways and apron areas.

The DAA also funded an additional €40m in a major restructuring programme at Shannon in 2007 in order to address the cost base of the airport.

The DAA and its predecessor, Aer Rianta, have continually supported the airport and its local management team in all their efforts to attract sustainable business to the airport and the region. The premise that the DAA is somehow hostile to the fortunes of Shannon, or is hindering its growth, is a myth.

Martin Moroney

Director

Shannon Airport