Kenny’s pledge - Airport link to America delayed

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s weekend commitment to enthusiastically support efforts to resolve the outstanding details around the long-awaited Cork-Boston air link are more than welcome but they must lead to a successful conclusion for the essential facility and the region. Electioneering must be turned into achievement and preferrably before a single vote is cast.

The Cork-Boston flights, which got a widespread welcome when they were announced by Norwegian Air last year, have been delayed by opposition from Boston unions and government regulation in the USA. However, that opposition might be overcome by an intervention on the highest level, an intervention that would be justified because of the airport’s pivotal role in the economic regeneration of the region.

Mr Kenny’s commitment is apt — if not overdue — as the airport was left in the lurch by a previous administration. That intervention would also help in spreading the recovery more evenly around the country, but it will all be just so much hot air unless commitment is matched by delivery.