Tánaiste disappointed at Ryanair response

The Tánaiste met this evening with Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, at his request, to discuss the present position regarding the Ryanair proposal to establish a maintenance facility at Dublin Airport. The Tánaiste referred to the extensive correspondence and discussion that took place in 2009 when IDA, acting at the Tánaiste’s request, engaged with Ryanair and the Dublin Airport Authority in an attempt to progress the project, as a result of which the present position can be summarised as follows:

• Hangar 6, which Ryanair wanted to buy or lease for the project, is not available as it is licensed to Aer Lingus for the next 20 years;
• These facilities could, however, be replicated through a new build elsewhere on Airport lands where a number of viable sites exist for this purpose;
• It may also be possible to accommodate the proposal in space remaining available in other hangars at the Airport.

The Tánaiste enquired as to why Hangar 6 was the only option being pursued by Ryanair and why, in particular, Ryanair could not locate the project at a new hangar which they could build elsewhere at the Airport as they were doing at Prestwick Airport.

The Tánaiste also queried Ryanair’s refusal to enter into any discussion with the DAA on this matter, particularly as she understood that Ryanair had engaged with the DAA on other hangar related issues in the recent past. While she was aware of the somewhat fraught relationship between the two organisations, she was concerned at the damage that such a communication deficit could do to both organisations.

Mr. O’Leary repeated that securing Hangar 6 was essential to the project and that he expected the Government to take such measures as are necessary to achieve this.

The Tánaiste continues to be available and asked Mr. O’Leary to reflect further on the situation as she believed that, with common sense, good will and determination, a positive outcome is still achievable.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

16 February 2010

ETE/2164