Press release
Minister Ross facilitates the National Civil Aviation Development Forum Conference
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Published on
Last updated on
“Making Ireland the most competitive aviation country in the world”
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross T.D. delivered the opening address at the 1st National Civil Aviation Development Forum Conference at Dublin Castle today.
Minister Ross welcomed “the daa’s decision to proceed with the development of a second parallel runway at Dublin airport.”
Minister Ross said a review which will examine the longer term capacity needs of our three State airports will commence within weeks, adding that “the review will include an option for a third, independent terminal at Dublin airport.”
Minister Ross added, “The question must be continually asked: Is a State monopoly at Irish airports in the interest of the users, the tax-payer or the travelling public? I think I know the answer.”
Minister Ross spoke of the growth opportunities with forecasts for the demand for air travel to double over the next 20 years “With that growth, there should be opportunities for airlines, new routes and services as well as in Aviation Recruitment and software development for the industry.”
The Minister further added that Brexit was the most significant development with likely negative impacts on the liberalisation of the air transport market, adding that “the only solution for Ireland is that the market should remain fully liberalised and deregulated, and that existing traffic rights should be preserved.”
He stated that “an ambitious policy such as our National Aviation Policy does not exist in isolation. It must be supported by other government policies and actions – such as our framework policies for training and skills, enterprise development, job creation and regional development - if its full potential is to be realised.”
Ends
Editors Notes:
The Conference also featured a keynote address by Henrik Hololei, Director General of DG MOVE, European Commission who spoke about the process of completing the international air transport liberalisation process. Danny McCoy, Chief Executive of Ibec spoke of the how aviation is a critical enabler for Irish business and the economy. Peter Morris, Chief Economist, of the UK-based aviation consultancy firm, Flight Global Ascend, addressed the conference on how Ireland can grow and exploit its aviation industry capabilities in the global marketplace.
The issues were debated by a number of senior personnel in the aviation industry including Eamonn Brennan (IAA), Stephen Kavanagh (Aer Lingus), Aengus Kelly (AerCap), Conor McCarthy (Dublin Aerospace), Michael O’Leary (Ryanair), Andy O’Shea (Ryanair), Matthew Thomas (Shannon Group), and Kevin Toland (daa).
Representatives of entities from across the spectrum of the aviation sector were invited and the Minister hosted over 200 delegates.