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Huge Blow for Cork, more must be done to protect our Air Service – O’Sullivan

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Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central has expressed his deep disappointment at the news that Ryanair is to close its Cork operations for the winter.   

Deputy O’Sullivan commented “This move will have a negative effect on people’s connectivity and on business, not only in Cork but the southern region as a whole. This move will further jeopardise the Cork Airports future, which is struggling true an unprecedented health crisis.   

“People are naturally very fearful for their livelihoods. No consideration has been given to the impact of this on jobs in the area.   

“Last week Ryanair’s Eddie Wilson came before the Oireachtas Transport Committee demanding that Ireland fully adopt the EU ‘traffic light system’ for a safe return to international flying. It was understood that this would allow Ryanair to begin to more properly plan routes and schedules for the months ahead.    

“The ‘traffic light system’ and Ryanair’s major ask has been met; but now, within a few short hours, they are announcing this closure. They clearly intend to use the new EU protocols to fly the more lucrative routes in / out of Dublin, Stansted, but not Cork.   

“I’m calling on Minister Ryan to look at our air transport model in this country. For two long, large low-cost operators have been allowed to drive competition out of the market, leaving the regional airports at the mercy of the super carriers.  The concept of service and loyalty must be reintroduced back into Irish aviation,” concluded Deputy O’Sullivan.   

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