Make that airport call to US, Taoiseach

TENS of thousands of words have been published by this newspaper about the difficulties facing Cork Airport. Thankfully, those words have had a longed-for air of optimism about them in recent months, especially since the announcement that Norwegian Air International (NAI) planned a transatlantic option from the facility.

That announcement lifted spirits and broadened the horizons in an energising way. It promised a new level of connectivity that could only strengthen our hand when trying to attract foreign investment to the region.

However, it has not all been plain sailing, and the breakthrough seems mired in red tape on the far side of the Atlantic. The Boston link is being delayed by unprecedented stonewalling — a two-year delay by the US Department of Transport officials ruling the airline’s application for a foreign carrier permit.

The department has been lobbied by US unions and airlines opposed to the low-cost plan. NAI’s application is now the longest unresolved application of its kind. The airline has reiterated is commitment to the project but its patience cannot be infinite.

Speaking in Cork yesterday, where he combined official duties with election campaigning, Taoiseach Enda Kenny promised to support the project.

“If it’s appropriate that I make a phone call at a particular time, I won’t be found wanting,” he said. In this instance Taoiseach, Paddy would like to know what’s keeping you, make that call.