Coughlan's handling criticised by opponents
A Ryanair jet flies over the former SR Technics plant at Dublin Airport.
'ONE of the worst gaffes' committed by a member of Cabinet, is how one local opposition TD has described the Tánaiste's apparent failure to respond positively to an offer from Ryanair to secure hundreds of jobs at Hangar Six at Dublin Airport, previously occupied by SR Technics.
Dr James Reilly TD (FG), said: 'It is clear to me that there is enormous potential for negotiation over the hangar, and that there is a real hope we could secure 300 new jobs for north Dublin.
' This looks like probably the worst gaffe from one of the worst members of the Cabinet.'
He added: 'What is clear is that maximum use is not being of hangars at Dublin Airport. With real will, it is not just legally possible but entirely within the gift of the Government to secure these jobs.'
Micheal Kennedy, Fianna Fail TD, for Dublin North, has totally rejected Deputy Reilly's assertion that Aer Lingus is in a position to hand over Hangar Six to Ryanair.
Responding to Deputy Reilly's comments that Aer Lingus could be required to vacate Hangar Six but was not approached about it, Deputy Kennedy said: ' The Tánaiste spoke to the CEO of Aer Lingus on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of accommodating Ryanair in Hangar Six but was told this wasn't an option.'
Dismissing the Fine Gael claims as 'a complete distortion of the truth, he said: 'Aer Lingus has a 20 year legally binding lease over Hangar Six. The Taoiseach has obtained strong legal advice to confirm this.'
Dr Reilly's colleague and the Fine Gael's spokesperson on transport, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd TD said it is now vital that all parties are invited before the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity.
He said: 'We have heard claim and counter claim, but this startling new information seems to hold out real hope for the 300 jobs.
'It also undermines the Tánaiste's assertion that there is no legal mechanism for Aer Lingus to be asked to leave the hangar.'
Deputy O'Dowd said: 'I believe the Oireachtas Transport Committee must invite both airlines, the DAA and the IDA to attend its Wednesday meeting in order to find a workable solution.'
- John MANNING
