Minister Urged To Act Over Loss Of Kerry To Dublin Services

Business & Finance - Industry

Sunday, 10 October 2010 12:33

Written by Conor Joyce

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Tourism, and Kerry North TD, Jimmy Deenihan said today  it is highly regrettable that the Department of Transport has rejected an offer by Ryanair to enter into arbitration over the operation of its Kerry to Dublin subsisted regional route.

“The refusal by Department of Transport to enter into arbitration with Michael O’Leary is extremely disappointing as the offer by the airline to sit down with Department officials was expected to be the first step on the road to sorting out the problems with Kerry Airport.

“At the end of the day, a reduction in flights between Kerry and Dublin is going to have a serious impact on the people of Kerry and the possibility of future growth for the region. Businesses that rely on multiple flights being available to them on a daily basis are set to suffer hugely if this situation is not worked out. The cost that will be incurred by the tourism sector in the region, which already faces myriad challenges, also cannot and must not be underestimated.

“This stand-off between Michael O’Leary and Minister Dempsey cannot be allowed to persist. We are in the grip of the worst recession in our history and this disagreement, if not resolved, will only cost more jobs in the Kerry area.

“It is a great pity that the offer of arbitration was rejected by the Department and that an arrangement that was suitable to all could not be arrived at. I am calling on the Minister to intervene and to set in place a binding arbitration process that can resolve this matter and get it sorted before it’s too late", concluded Deputy Deenihan.