Brennan’s airport plan can be a success

I WAS surprised to hear the Labour spokesperson on transport, Róisin Shortall, on Morning Ireland last Friday, decrying the establishment of Cork and Shannon as independent airports, thereby preventing the creation of many jobs in both centres.

Her only reason was that she was not sure that the scheme would work. Hardly valid, assuming that Minister Brennan has done his homework.

Some years ago, when a group of us in Cork and Kerry were seeking to re-establish the Cork/Swansea Ferry, I, as chairman, approached the then minister, the late Jim Mitchell, on three or four occasions and he told me firmly that the then Government would not help financially as the ferry would not work.

A change of government occurred and Minister Brennan granted financial aid. Since then, the ferry has gone from strength to strength, providing many jobs in the south-west region, particularly in the tourist trade.

I feel that his decision on the airports restructuring will meet with similar success.

I don’t belong to any political party.

Charles Hennessy,

Castle House,

Monkstown,

Co Cork.