In a week of sharp exchanges between Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and transport minister Eamon Ryan, the two sides have exchanged open letters
Michael O’Leary to Eamon Ryan
“Dear Eamon, despite your almost 4 year tenure as Ireland’s Minister for Transport, it is clear that you either have no idea what your own Government National Aviation Policy is, or you are determined to frustrate this policy.
“I enclose herewith an extract of your own Aviation Policy, and would draw your attention to the following:
“The Principle Goals if this National Aviation Policy are to:
- enhance Ireland’s connectivity by ensuring safe , secure and competitive access responsive to the needs of business, tourism and consumers.
- foster the growth of aviation enterprise in Ireland to support job creation and position Ireland as a recognised global leader in aviation.
- maximise the contribution of the aviation sector to Ireland’s economic growth and development.”
“Over the past 4 years while you have been Minister you have failed to take any action to advance the goals of this National Aviation Policy. You disappeared during the security queues crisis in Dublin in Summer 2022.
“You disappeared again while drones closed Dublin Airport on 6 occasions during Spring 2023, and lamentably you have failed to take any action when an arbitrary and untenable traffic cap of 32m passengers now means that Dublin Airport and Ireland’s aviation industry cannot grow for at least 3 or 4 years while you abrogate responsibility for National Aviation Policy to a local Council in Finglas.
“Other EU airports are now laughing at Ireland’s ‘Traffic Cap’ while they win this growth (some 15m new passengers in 2024 alone) from Ryanair, which your inaction has lost for Ireland.
“If you are unwilling to implement Ireland’s National Aviation Policy as Minister for Transport, why don’t you resign and let someone competent deliver this traffic, tourism and jobs growth for Ireland, Yours Sincerely, Michael O’Leary.”
Eamon Ryan to Michael O’Leary
I fundamentally disagree with the arguments and content of your letter dated February 9, 2024.
Over the past four years I have worked tirelessly, along with my Ministerial colleagues, to deliver benefits to Irish people, in aviation, and in every other issue and division across my portfolios.
Your contention that I was not involved in or missing during the security crisis that occurred at Dublin Airport in 2022 is completely false. I worked assiduously, alongside my colleague Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, with daily meetings to ensure that the daa was fully supported and the airport returned to normal for passengers and staff alike.
Similarly, you are wrong to assert that I was not around for the drones issue. The truth is I engaged directly and effectively to ensure that systems were put in place to reduce the threat of illegal drone activity in and around the airport. Dublin Airport now has clearance to use anti-drone technology and has the legal right to jam their frequencies or even take them down.
You know as Minister for Transport I cannot intervene in the planning process, including the application seeking an extension of the existing passenger cap at Dublin Airport. That would be wholly inappropriate and would mean that we had not learnt the lessons of the past.
Throughout this whole period, you have written many letters that have been highly personalised, inaccurate and inflammatory. I have invited you, through your executives, to meet with me, to discuss any issues you have face to face. Those invitations have never once been taken up.
I reiterate this open invitation to you again should you wish to accept. Yours sincerely Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport
