Prior to 2004, Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports were managed by Aer Rianta. Under this umbrella body, these airports did not compete directly with each other and were deemed to be inefficient. It was hoped that the introduction of the State Airports Act 2004 would rectify this, but alas, it has not.
The purpose of the 2004 Act was to provide the necessary legislative basis for the restructuring of Aer Rianta and the establishment of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports as independent authorities under state ownership. Under the Act, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) assumed responsibility for all the assets, liabilities and contracts of the former Aer Rianta. The Board of the DAA transferred significant day-to-day operational responsibility to the Boards of the Cork and Shannon Airport Authorities. In time, both these authorities were to have the assets of Cork and Shannon Airports vested in them and assume full responsibility for the management, development and operation of their respective airports. Almost five and half years since the Act was introduced, this has still not happened. The Dublin Airport Authority still manage Cork & Shannon Airports. So all that has really changed is the name!
Meanwhile, passenger numbers through Shannon Airport have declined by 24% in the past two years. Add in six regional airports (plus three in Northern Ireland) and it is clear that the island of Ireland has too many airports. Perhaps it's time to re-think our aviation policy.
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