Friends' Work

// Group challenges Fine Gael travel tax motion

In an Open Letter to all Fine Gael TDs, the environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment has urged the Deputies to withdraw their Private Members Bill and to reconsider their support for regional airports.

They also urged the Deputies to follow the recommendations of a DKM Report to the Government in 2003 and the McCarthy Report in 2009 to end the subsides for regional airports.

The DKM Report stated:

‘The issue for public policy is whether the benefits are commensurate with the now very substantial costs, and we are not aware of any studies or analyses which establish that this is so.'

While the McCarthy Report notes that:

the Exchequer is backing the provision of the other new, much improved transport links (road, rail) to the same locations. With this in mind, and also considering the Government's developing climate change agenda and commitments under current and future international emissions agreements, the continued support of loss-making air services is unsustainable.

FIE has told the Deputies that ‘This would represent a saving of €17 million a year in Public Service Obligations and operational subsidies and much of the €86 million unspent in capital grants - about €100 million.'

Finally, the group claims that under EU Council Regulation No. 2408 of 1992, Governments are NOT permitted to subsidise air routes between regions "where other forms of transport can ensure an adequate and uninterrupted service when the capacity offered exceeds 30,000 seats per year".

The letter claims ‘public transport capacity to subsidise flights between Dublin and Derry, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Knock as well as Sligo is illegal to all these destination because these destinations now exceeds 30,000 seats per annum'.

It concludes: ‘We would urge you to consider your opposition on the air travel tax for these reasons and to support the DKM and McCarthy Reports to demonstrate your fiscal and environmental responsibility.'

ENDS
Further information:

Tony Lowes 027 74771 / 087 2176316