THE GOVERNMENT has finally given the go-ahead for a second terminal at Dublin airport and plans to allow independent companies bid to build a third terminal within the next 10 years.

THE Government was accused last night of frustrating the break-up of Aer Rianta by not supporting a State-appointed board trying to run one of the country’s main airports.

THE Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) should not be allowed “saddle Cork Airport with debt because they see it as a threat”, the Government’s deputy chief whip said yesterday.

THE Shannon Airport Authority is missing out on a huge opportunity to tap into innovative proposals which would help make the airport more commercially viable, a union leader said yesterday.

DUBLIN Airport may have three independent terminals operating within the next five years if a Progressive Democrat compromise to resolve the most serious Cabinet row since the National Stadium at Abbotstown is accepted.

TRANSPORT Minister Martin Cullen said he favoured a majority sell-off of Aer Lingus which would put an end to speculation about the future of the airline.

DUBLIN Airport could be paralysed by a security staff strike over the October Bank Holiday weekend after workers yesterday raised the possibility of a total withdrawal of labour.

AN emergency meeting between Transport Minister Martin Cullen and the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) on the subject of the airport's €80 million debt was described last night as having been very positive.

CORK Airport is facing potentially crippling debts of €160 million when it opens for business as a separate company, it emerged last night.

AER LINGUS and Ryanair are opposing plans by the Dublin Airport Authority to increase the cost of renting facilities such as check-in desks.

RYANAIR chief executive Michael O’Leary has warned the Government that the airline will not expand services from Dublin if SIPTU is given a stake in a proposed new terminal at the airport.

Ian Guider

THE Government faces a week of sustained pressure over its apparent u-turn on the controversial Cork Airport debt issue.

Michael O’Farrell, Political Reporter

THE CORK Airport Authority (CAA) is seeking a new chief executive with current head Joe O'Connor planning to step down next year.

THE company brokering talks on the €160 million debt impasse between Cork and Dublin airports has been asked to withdraw from negotiations because of a conflict of interest.

THE letter from June Scannell regarding lack of facilities at Cork airport (Irish Examiner, January 6) is a timely reminder that action is needed if the airport is not to remain at the bottom of the list of political priorities.