Ryanair Claim Government Ignored Cost Saving Offer

Ryanair have claimed the government ignored an offer to save the State millions of euro on flights during Ireland’s presidency of the European Union next year, a claim the government have denied.

In a statement the airline said the government did not responded to the proposal it made in September to lower the cost of presidency-related air travel by as much as €3.5 million through a combination of fixed-price tickets between Dublin and Brussels Charleroi, an extended credit facility and free flight changes.

Under the proposal, diplomats would be able to avail of set fares of €49.99. The airline also promised a dedicated “presidency” helpline, more than 30 days “credit” to the State, free flight changes and assistance desks at the airports. Baggage charges would apply as normal.

The airline said if it flew just 1,000 officials over the six months of the Irish presidency, the Government would save over €3.5million. It is understood there could be in excess of 15,000 official flights taken between Ireland and Brussels between now and the end of June. The EU presidency will cost the State €60 million, almost half the cost of the last Irish presidency in 2004.

Ryanair said “despite the offer being sent to Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton on September 20th, Ryanair has yet to receive any reply or acceptance”. It said it appeared as if "this Government is all talk about savings, but there is no follow-up or action".

However, Government sources of the Irish Times rubbished the claim and said it was “incredibly price-sensitive and doing all we can to minimise costs”.

(H)