Government Attacks O'Leary's 'Bizarre Charade'

Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kennedy has accused the Ryanair Chief Executive of engaging in a "bizarre charade" over job negotiations for the highly contested Hangar 6 at Dublin Airport.

Speaking this morning, Mr Kennedy said the controversial Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary had "been caught out by his own words" after relenting on a commitment over leasing of the hanger and moving his operation to a similar sized facility if it was offered.

The hanger was formerly used by aircraft maintenance company SRT Technics, who wound up their Irish operations last year with the loss of hundreds of jobs. The Government and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have been attempting to entice new occupants to create new jobs at the site.

Michael O'Leary had previously said he would move some operations to the hanger if his company could be absolved of dealing directly with the DAA, with whom he has a long running dispute.

Speaking today, Mr Kennedy said: “I have released a letter that Michael O’Leary wrote to the chief executive of the IDA on July 2nd 2009. In that letter Michael O’Leary clearly states that he would be willing to sign any lease term for the Hangar that would give the Dublin Airport Authority the right to ask Ryanair to move from Hangar 6 once it’s provided with a similar-sized hangar in a similar location.

“This leaves no doubt that the Government offer of a hanger of similar size, location and specification would have accommodated Ryanair’s expressed needs and created hundreds of jobs in Dublin.”

Deputy Kennedy aaded: “Why is Ryanair not prepared to move now?”

Clearly incensed at Mr O'Leary's u-turn on the issue, Mr Kennedy said it’s was high time Michael O’Leary was honest with the Irish people.

"The Government is more than happy to see Ryanair’s aircraft maintenance operation accommodated at Dublin. Michael O’Leary needs to stop moving the goalposts and recognise that what he’s being offered is something he’s clearly said would be suitable."

(DW/BMcC)