Fahey rejects Fine Gael claims over Ryanair

Fine Gael is being utterly disingenuous in ignoring Government efforts to secure potential Ryanair jobs at Dublin Airport, according to Frank Fahey, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport.

Responding to claims by Deputy Fergus O’Dowd that the Government is responsible for Micheal O’Leary’s refusal to create 300 new jobs, Deputy Fahey said: “The Tánaiste went to great lengths to accommodate Ryanair. Micheal O’Leary was offered access to several hangars at Dublin Airport. The DAA also indicated that it would be prepared to build a brand new hangar to Ryanair’s exact specifications. Shannon Development even said that it too would be willing to construct a hangar especially for Mr. O’Leary.

“All of these offers, however, were dismissed out of hand by Mr. O’Leary who insisted that he would only accept Hangar 6. The fact remains, however, that Aer Lingus retains a 20 year legally binding lease over this hangar. The Attorney General has strongly advised that there are no legal grounds upon which this can be broken other than expansion of the airport. Ryanair's vague proposal doesn't fit the bill in this regard."

Deputy Fahey concluded: “The notion that the Government is in a position to simply rip up Aer Lingus’ contract and eject it from its rightful premises to accommodate its rival Ryanair is beyond ridiculous. Micheal O’Leary’s refusal to compromise on his impossible demands is extremely disappointing. What is also disappointing but unsurprising is that Fine Gael is trying to use this situation to score empty political points against the Government.”