This article is from page 8 of the 2012-02-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THE special report into the future of Shannon Airport is to be published by the Government before the end of the month, the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar has revealed. However, Mr Varadkar has revealed that the report carried out on behalf of the Government by international consultants Booz and Company will be censored before publication because of “sensitive information” contained in what is the new blueprint for the development of Clare’s international airport.
“The report contains commercially sensitive information, much of which was provided on a confidential basis,” Minister Varadkar has revealed. “For this reason, it will not be possible to publish the report in full. However, I intend to publish a redacted version of the report before the end of the month, once I am satisfied that the confidential information is protected.
“I have brought the Booz report to the Government for the information of my Cabinet colleagues. I have also commenced a process of engaging in detail with relevant stakeholders. When that process has been completed, I will bring proposals to the Government on the future of Cork and Shannon airports,” he added.
Minister Varadkar was responding to a Dáil question tabled by Clare TD and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on transport, Deputy Timmy Dooley, who said that the Booz & Company report was “causing great consternation and concern among workers and tourism interests in the Shannon region”.
“They are deeply concerned that the report has not been published almost 12 months after the Government came to office on the back of expectations that it would introduce important measures to assist Shannon Airport and the wider region which would increase the number of routes at the airport and consequently boost passenger numbers.
“Expectations in the region were raised by statements and comments made by the Fine Gael Party and its partner in government. I am disappointed it is taking so long to publish the Booz report.
“I am also concerned by some of the leaks emanating from the Government or individuals who are familiar with the contents of the report. It is clear that some external interests are seeking to privatise, part-privatise or franchise in some manner the activities at the airport,” Deputy Dooley added.
“Shannon Airport has been in limbo since 2008 and I intend to end uncertainty about the airport this year,” countered Minister Varadkar.
“I appreciate that tourism and employee interests in the region are concerned about Shannon Airport. I have visited the region twice and will do so again in the next few months.
“I met representatives of trade unions and business and tourism interests and while there is legitimate concern, there is also great ambition and excitement about the opportunities that could be provided as part of a new approach to Shannon Airport.
“The status quo is not working and substantive change is needed in the way the airport operates,” Minister Varadkar added.