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.

SHANNON Airport executive Declan Power continues to scapegoat Ryanair for the passenger collapse experienced by the DAA monopoly run Shannon Airport.

Shannon Airport is doomed if it remains in public ownership and is not sold immediately to the highest bidder, Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary predicts.

The airport previously owned by high-flying businessman Jim Mansfield is being sold at a down-to-earth price of €3 million.

Ryanair remains on course for record full-year profits, after delivering strong third- quarter growth, including net profits of nearly €15 million.

The withdrawal of the transatlantic air service from Cork is disappointing, but hardly surprising. How can airport management persuade airlines to provide transatlantic services when the runway is too short for take-off of long-haul aircraft?

The length of Cork Airport’s main runway is not a barrier to growth - proposed reductions in passenger charges at Dublin airport are its biggest threat.

Liam O’Gradaigh has battled along with his wife Sheena to keep their son Donagh, who is now aged 11, alive.