Fine Gael National Press Office Press Release
..................................................................
Leinster House Contact: Olivia Mitchell
Dublin 2 Nick Miller Transport
Ireland 086 6992080

Tuesday 9th January 2007

Second Dublin Airport would mean more
choice for travellers & less travel chaos - Mitchell

Fine Gael Transport Spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell TD has said she is surprisedat Michael O'Leary's reaction to Fine Gael's proposals for a second airport in Dublin, given his criticism of the lack of Government planning in the aviation sector and his demand for greater competition.

Deputy Mitchell said it is crucial that the political debate about Ireland's aviation sector starts concentrating on planning for greater capacity and the need to provide more choice for both passengers and airlines.

"I am an admirer of Michael O'Leary but he has consistently criticised the Government for its lack of forward planning and for the lack of competition in the aviation sector. Fine Gael's proposal to look at the potential for a second airport would offer choice and competition to airlines and the travelling public and represents the kind of vision that has been so clearly absent under this Government.

"The problems of congestion at Dublin Airport are a direct result of the failure to anticipate or to develop any vision for the aviation sector. Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport consistently outstrip predicted demand. It is already becoming clear that even when the new terminal has been constructed, it will be very close to capacity. This lack of capacity has consistently stymied any attempt to market Dublin Airport and its potential to provide direct flights, rather than depending on other hubs.

"It is very short-sighted of Michael O'Leary to condemn out of hand an attempt to establish how future demand for air travel can be met, and it does a disservice to the travelling public. A recent study found that Dublin Airport is consistently under-estimating passenger growth and is continuing to do so. Yet in 15 years' time, it may become clear that Dublin Airport and its environs are too congested for future expansion. At that stage the ongoing urban sprawl and high-rise development of Dublin may preclude even consideration of suitable alternatives.

"The planning timeframe in aviation is longer than for other infrastructure, so a dynamic aviation policy must always be ahead of the demand curve: anticipating, planning and catering for future growth before the queues start forming.

"And as an island nation, it is particularly important that Ireland has sufficient capacity for cargo flights as well as passengers. Any responsible Government must plan and at least consider the infrastructure needs for both passengers and cargo into the future."