Limerick Chamber has said that aviation must be one of the key focus areas for the government if it is to redress the current economic imbalance between the Dublin region and the rest of the country.
In its submission to the National Planning Framework (NPF), ‘Ireland 2040 – Our Plan’, the Chamber said that in the long-term, regional cities on the western half of the island will play a key role in the national economy but policy must be put in place to direct that correction.
Two key areas highlighted in the Chamber submission for promotion under the NPF were Shannon Airport and the Shannon Estuary. “It is the single most important piece of planning in the interest of the wider nation that any government will take on in our lifetime. Minister Coveney must be congratulated on initiating this but we have to get it right,” the submission read.
“We have an economy about to tip over on one side almost and the NPF is the opportunity to redress that. To do that we must create policy that will create an environment for the regions to fulfil their potential, create greater opportunity in the regions and relieve the burden from Dublin.
“There’s a direct correlation between airport growth and regional growth. Right now, the DAA monopoly is mopping up the growth, with 86% of the market up from 81% five years ago. In the meantime, Cork’s market share has dropped alarming from 10% to 6.5% and Shannon to a lesser degree, from 5.9% to 5.5%. If the regions are to grow, which is essential, these airports must grow their market share. If they don’t, it can only lead to more growth in and pressure on Dublin and less growth in the regions. It must be dealt with,” he said.
The Chamber submission called for current aviation policy to be updated and aligned with the objectives of the NPF: “If the NPF is to be the guiding document for the development of our country, with a focus on supporting effective regional development and our second tier cities, it is vital that the 2015 National Aviation Policy should be updated to align with it,” the document read.
“Currently, much of the growth in passenger numbers is centred on Dublin Airport, which is further adding to its monopolistic position. Unregulated growth of Dublin Airport’s market share will not be in the national interest and will require careful regulation in the future if the Limerick, Galway and Cork cities are to drive their regions’ development in terms of attracting FDI, developing tourism and supporting indigenous industry.”
