Control of airports - Decision on their future is crucial

ONE of the services important to an island economy is easy, frequent and value-for-money access to all its markets.

In the 21st century that means reliable, frequent and cheap air access to major airports and significant regional airports.

For an island struggling to retain economic independence that basic infrastructure becomes an absolute essential. However, there is a growing feeling that our aviation policies and our centralised airport authority are not the best models to realise the potential of Irish airports to facilitate business growth, develop tourism and, hopefully, create jobs.