The Cork and Shannon branches of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today strongly welcomed Séamus Brennan's statement in relation to the establishment of three fully independent and autonomous airport authorities for Dublin, Cork and Shannon. The IHF suggested that this is a major positive development for the long-term growth of Irish tourism at a national level as well as offering distinct growth opportunities at local level within the Cork and Shannon regions. It will allow for increased competition, more regular and increased air services and should in practice result in the realisation of expanded tourism businesses within each region in the future.

The IHF stressed that the positive debt free starting point for both Cork and Shannon airports placed them in an excellent position to exploit best free market opportunities and ultimately offer more choice and competition to Irish and international air passengers.

In particular, John O'Flynn, Chairman of the IHF's Cork Branch commended the Government's commitment to the investment of the new facilities being developed at Cork airport, and that this debt would not be assigned to the new Cork airport authority.

Declan O'Grady, Chairman of the IHF's Shannon Branch welcomed the Government's vision to decentralise the national airport structure and to position each of the airports as independent authorities with the power and freedom to develop and expand as entities in their own right.

The IHF stated it looks forward to further developments in relation to this decision, the announcement of the new Boards' appointments and assisting, where appropriate, as an industry partner in the detailed discussions taking place during the transitory period of the next 12 months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy/Niamh Boylan Tel: (01) 676 01 68
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