Carey calls for airports strategy in Fine Gael manifesto

CLARE Fine Gael General Election candidate Leonora Carey has called for the immediate introduction of a national airports policy to be a top priority in the party’s election manifesto.

She maintains that the lack of a clear and cohesive strategy has not only created an imbalance in terms of regional development but created a significant risk with one airport accommodating 86 per cent of the State’s air traffic.

“Relying on a single airport, which is already subject to various constraints, to serve so many passengers, almost half of whom are travelling to other parts of the country, is both inefficient and short-sighted.

“Ireland faces the challenge of exponential growth in air traffic. Using one airport, and the already strained infrastructure of the Greater Dublin Area to service it, creates a single point of risk that borders on recklessness.

“A national airports strategy would ensure that the national interest would take precedence over the short-term demands of the airlines and the sectional interests of the Dublin tourism lobby,” Ms Carey declared.

“Shannon Airport management has made a compelling case for the Government to develop the Irish aviation sector across Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports by maximising services to the regions where passengers want to go and which meets business and tourism needs. 

“Both Shannon and Cork can accommodate more flights while alleviating and improving the quality of life of the people in the Greater Dublin area. This approach will also allow Dublin to continue to bid effectively for new routes and ensure sustainability across the country.

“The Irish Aviation Authority should introduce additional requirements in their Coordination

Parameters from next summer to ensure that the limited capacity at Dublin Airport must focus solely on improving Ireland’s connectivity. 

“Similar to the role Dublin Airport plays in Ireland, Heathrow is central to the UK’s international connectivity. However in London, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton manage significant traffic, alleviating pressure on Heathrow. Similarly, Shannon, Cork, and other regional airports can support Dublin. This approach would help manage traffic efficiently, improve connectivity and support regional development.

“The Shannon Group’s submission to Government highlights the fact that 98 per cent of the 15 million seats added in the last decade were to countries already served from Dublin. It suggests that requests for new slots should prioritise new long-haul destinations not currently operated from Dublin and no additional capacity on existing routes should be allocated to Dublin.

“A national airports strategy should ensure that any request from airline operators for surplus slots at Dublin Airport should include the offer of an equivalent slot at Shannon or Cork,” Ms Carey explained.

PHOTO: Leonora Carey (centre) with Shannon Group Head of Legal Affairs Rachel Leahy (left) and Chief Executive Mary Considine.