Ireland Urges Ryanair to Use Regional Airports

Junior Transport Minister James Lawless is advocating for increased use of Shannon and Cork airports to alleviate the pressures of a passenger cap at Dublin Airport, which is limited to 32 million passengers annually due to planning conditions. Despite Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's skepticism regarding the viability of regional airports, Lawless argues that many tourists currently fly into Dublin and then travel to these regional destinations, suggesting better marketing could enhance their appeal. The Dublin Airport Authority has warned of breaching the cap this year, prompting discussions about potentially raising the limit to 40 million. Lawless emphasizes the necessity for creative solutions to the ongoing issue, particularly in light of Ryanair's challenges with slot availability at Dublin. He believes that tourists should consider flying into Shannon or Cork as a viable alternative, given that a significant number are already traveling to these regions from Dublin. The transport minister's comments come amidst concerns about the economic impact of the cap and the need for infrastructure diversification beyond Dublin.