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.”

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

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

Undeterred Jedward fans are expected to descend on Dublin Airport tomorrow evening to welcome their high-haired heroes home from Azerbaijan.

Cork Airport made a loss of around €14m last year but its parent — the Dublin Airport Authority — has said it is committed to returning the airport to profit.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair’s 90% dominant position at Cork Airport poses a threat to the airport’s Heathrow routes in a takeover situation, Cork Chamber warned yesterday.

A new director of Cork Airport has been identified to succeed Pat Keohane when his term ends later this year, it emerged last night.

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).

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.