MANAGEMENT at Kerry Airport have asked to meet the Transport Minister to discuss the devastating impact that the removal of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) subsidy would have on both the airport and the local economy in Kerry.

It follows the recent decision by Ryanair to break its PSO contract with the Government and reduce the number of flights between Kerry and Dublin from three to one from November 1^st.

The Financial Controller at Kerry Airport, Basil Sheerin, said: “We must stress to the Minister that if people decide to stay away from Kerry and to relocate their trade and tourism elsewhere then unemployment in Kerry and emigration will rise, and government tax revenues will fall. Kerry Airport generates €30m worth of time savings per year compared to road or rail travel, based on NRA and Department of Transport estimates of the value of time. There are also significant safety benefits estimated at €12m from the superior safety record of aviation compared to road or rail transport.”

The maintenance and continuance of the PSO aided service is of vital importance – whether it be with the current operator Ryanair or with an alternative airline. It is of utmost importance to the local industry and tourist interests and the value to the county is well known and understood by all who have used these services over the past eight years.

“Kerry Airport provides direct and indirect employment in an economy in which unemployment has doubled in the last year and may reach a 17% unemployment rate in 2010 and we will be underlining this fact at our meeting with the Minister,” said Basil Sheerin.

Ends

Issued by John Drummey Communications on behalf of Kerry Airport 

For further information please contact John Drummey on +353-87-7909487 and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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