National Aviation Policy:
As an island economy, air access is vital for tourism, exports and connectivity. At present, the aviation sector contributes approximately €4.1 billion directly to the Irish economy in addition to a number of indirect benefits, such as tourism revenue and tax revenue.
Recognising the importance of the aviation industry as a key driver of economic growth, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is preparing its first ever National Aviation Policy which aims to encourage and facilitate the continued development of the Irish aviation industry by making it more competitive and addressing any existing barriers to its growth.
In developing the aviation policy and as part of the consultation process, the Department has prepared an issues paper ‘An Integrated Irish Aviation Policy: Issues Paper for Consultation,’ which is available at www.corkchamber.ie/yourviews.cfm. Key areas covered within the Issues paper include:
- Airports
- Air Services
- Regulation and Governance
- Aircraft Leasing and Finance
- Aerospace, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
- Education and Training
- General Aviation
- Sustainability
Key issues under consideration include:
- The viability of regional airports
- The need for regulated airport charges
- The impact of two airlines with significant Irish bases on the competitiveness of the Irish aviation sector
- The impact of a €3 departure tax on capacity and connections, and opportunities for ring-fencing this revenue for aviation and tourism-related spending
- The effectiveness and efficiency of air cargo and air freight services
- An appropriate tax regime to ensure that the sector can grow responsibly and retain Ireland’s leading role in the aviation sector.
The Chamber is currently developing a submission as part of the consultation process and welcomes the views of our members. Could all members who have comments/feedback please contact Siobhan Bradley by email siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie or phone (021) 4530132 no later than Friday 14th June at 5pm.
Dunkettle Interchange Update:
The Chamber welcomes the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission to the National Roads Authority (NRA) for a €100m upgrade of the Jack Lynch Tunnel/Dunkettle interchange subject to minor conditions including the provision of a traffic counter at the tunnel and review of traffic forecasts every two years. A significant number of daily vehicle movements are recorded at this junction and the planned upgrade will alleviate existing peak-time travel congestion problems. Approval was also given for Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) required by the NRA to acquire land to construct some new slip roads.
As a long-time advocate for the upgrading of the Dunkettle Interchange, Cork Chamber has consistently highlighted its status as one of the key road infrastructure projects that is essential to support business/economic requirements and build a stronger, more accessible region. The Chamber now urges the Government to take all the necessary steps to ensure the efficient and successful completion of this project.
