Welcome, positive statements were made on transport policy and infrastructure yesterday.

Data released this week by the Irish Aviation Authority underscores the challenges facing Irish airports and their role in our economic recovery.

There were concerns last night that security checks at Cork and Shannon airports may be affected by the same deficiencies uncovered at Dublin Airport.

Cork Chamber has elected its first female vice-president in its 193-year history.

Flights landing during April were down 1.2% compared with last year, as arrivals and departures into the country’s three main airports continued to decline.

The Minister for Transport, Mr Leo Varadakar, says memorably, that “There aren’t enough passengers using Cork to pay down the airport debt.”

A major row is brewing between Jedward and the Dublin Airport Authority over the twins having a big homecoming reception at Dublin Airport when they return from the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday evening.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said his department is working through the mechanism by which Shannon Airport can exit the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

Cork Airport is repeatedly stymied by the Dublin Airport Authority and it will never get transatlantic flights if it remains under DAA control, according to the Cork Business Association.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar and the wider Cabinet will make a decision in the next five weeks on the future of Shannon Airport, while decisions on the futures of Cork and Dublin airports will be long fingered until the end of the year.

Cork Airport would benefit slightly if it was removed from the control of Dublin Airport Authority — but Shannon would benefit hugely as DAA ownership is a “significant threat to its viability”.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar is in favour of Shannon Airport operating as an independent entity.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar yesterday revealed a tax-incentivised aviation model at Shannon Airport as the most likely model the Government is to pursue for the airport.

Ireland should not allow itself to be bounced into selling off State assets, the chief executive of Bord Gáis, John Mullins, said last night.

MINISTER for Transport Leo Varadkar has said “it is intended that Cork and Shannon Airports will remain in public ownership”.

Ryanair has condemned the decision by aviation regulator Cathal Guiomard to approve the Dublin Airport Authority’s request for a 6% price increase in summer 2012 passenger fees.

Smurfit Kappa this week announced a big jump in its pre-tax profits.

RYANAIR plans to create 1,000 jobs this year — but none of the new positions will be based in Ireland.

Major decisions will be taken by Easter to change the fortunes of troubled Shannon Airport, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar pledged yesterday.

TRANSPORT Minister Leo Varadkar was last night accused of making the boards of Cork and Shannon airports redundant.