Efficient service is paramount

ULTIMATELY, the Government’s plan to break up Aer Rianta’s monopoly by creating three State companies to run the airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon, will only work if it succeeds in providing a more efficient service for air travellers.

Under the terms of the long-awaited announcement, there will be three autonomous boards at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport. Given their strategic importance, it makes sense for the State to retain ownership of these facilities.

It was wise of Transport Minister Séamus Brennan not to surrender control to private operators determined to undermine the Aer Rianta operation. Whether an independent terminal will be built at Dublin is still unclear.