Ryanair takeover would be damaging

The Ryanair bid has been launched and it’s game-on. The Minister for Transport is to scrutinise the deal.

I trust the Government will consider: Who is to say that Ryanair and Michael O’Leary would not dismantle Aer Lingus and sell it off bit by bit? Ryanair has a track record of closing routes, often as a result of disagreements with a local airport or regulator. The Government should take note that this could seriously affect the profitability of another State asset — the Dublin Airport Authority.

The strategic slots at Heathrow are now used exclusively for the island of Ireland. Ryanair has 51 bases across 28 countries.