CORK airport’s growth has been stunted for so long we must show thanks when Michael Cawley of Ryanair comes out in its support in relation to the negotiations on the financial crisis arising from the new terminal building (letters, February 17).

THE board of Cork Airport last night defended its decision not to appear before a Dáil committee yesterday.

A third legal challenge over a decision extending planning permission for development of a new €320m runway at Dublin Airport has been fast-tracked by the Commercial Court.

Pre-tax profits at Shannon-based duty free operator, Aer Rianta International almost halved last year to €18.9m.

Ryanair have called on the Government to scrap its "stupid and unfair" €10 travel tax, as Fáilte Ireland released traffic figures which show that the passenger numbers to and from Ireland in the month of February fell by over 220,000 (-10.5%).

Mid-West business bodies have welcomed a decision to give Shannon Airport full independence from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

A FULL-BODY scanner is to be used on staff at Dublin Airport under plans to test the controversial security equipment.

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

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

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.

IN response to Michael Cawley of Ryanair (Letters, February 23), I would like to clarify what I meant by “planning issues” in my letter (February 16).

Ryanair last night issued a statement apologising for and withdrawing “inaccurate comments” about Cork Airport charges which were made by its own spokesman.

It has emerged that the Dublin Airport Authority knew about a security failing for over a month, but failed to resolve it properly.