EU competition authority meets with Knock airport Board

EU competition authority meets with Knock airport Board. Possibility of industrial activity at Mayo base in the years ahead.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013 12:29


A SENIOR delegation representing the EU directorate general for competition has met with the board of Ireland West Airport Knock to hear their concerns regarding the government’s €300 million bailout of their rival, Shannon Airport.

According to Fianna Fáil Senator Marc McSharry, an agreement was reached to examine a way forward over the coming weeks.

He stated: “I hope that will culminate in the announcement of an investment programme.

“More can be given to Shannon but something proportionate must be done for Ireland West Airport Knock so that, together, both can ensure the western seaboard can act as a driver and contributor to the national effort in a sustainable way.”

Senator McSharry said he used the vehicle of lodging a complaint to the Brussels based authority to highlight the need for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to effectively do something for his region ‘in the same way the Minister for Finance is so admirably doing something for his region in the context of Shannon Airport’.

“With €160 million in supports in the last 10 to 15 years, we have seen Shannon’s business drop 63 per cent whereas with supports of some €15 million for Ireland West Airport Knock, we have watched business there increase by close to 350 per cent.

“In many ways what has happened is like giving oars to Ireland West Airport Knock and a speedboat to Shannon Airport and then saying: ‘Look, anybody can win this race’.

“But the reality is that without the tools to perform to potential, there is no question that one of the two will be a burden on society and on the nation rather than being a nett contributor and, indeed, an engine for growth,” he added.

In response, Minister Noonan said to develop the Irish aviation industry further, incentives to provide hangars and pads are needed.

“The TDs from Mayo have told me there was a possibility of activity at Knock, which would be the dismantling of aircraft and the recycling of parts of aircraft.

“Therefore, the word ‘dismantling’ was brought into the legislation to allow for that activity, which the management in Knock says it is can attract in.

“However, if one wants to get engaged in full refurbishment and can attract in the investment, the same rules apply, whether it is Cork, Dublin, Knock, Shannon or anywhere that has a runway long enough to land the aircraft.”