Diary June 9

The fact that Etihad’s energetic chief executive is showing interest in our one-time national carrier spells good news at a time when Ireland’s economy is in rebuilding mode, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

The Dublin Airport Authority has conceded for the first time that Shannon, which it controls, has a viable independent future.

Thousands of jobs can be created for Shannon Airport and the wider mid-west if the Government moves to establish a debt-free, independent Shannon Airport.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that his department paid international consultancy firm Booz Consultants €119,350 for its report on the future of Cork and Shannon airports.

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”.

The Government’s decision to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority has been broadly welcomed, but questions remain about the move.

The Government plans to use tax incentives and valuable land banks to attract foreign investment and tourism ventures into the Shannon region.

Business and tourism leaders in the Mid-West have welcomed the plans to split Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority.

The transport minister has ruled out giving Cork Airport any form of independence in the near future while it is saddled with large debts.

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

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.

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.”