The Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan has defended the government's decision to break up Aer Rianta into three separate boards which will run Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
He said the decision was made in order to offer more choice and competition and he was absolutely convinced that, given local support and vision, the Cork and Shannon airports will be an economic success.
He said he has no plans to privatise the airports.
Dealing with the hostile reaction from trade unions, Brennan appealed to unions not to cause disruption at airports, saying it is the last thing that the country needs.
He appealed to the unions to stand back and look at the bigger picture. He said he couldn't keep everyone happy but he had had to made on decision on the airports.
He repeated there would be consultation with unions over the next 12 months.
The Taoiseach Mr Ahern has rejected suggestions that he will renage on a commitment to consult with the Aer Rianta workforce on the break up of the company. Mr Ahern said the consultations had been going on for over a year and there will be another year of discussions.
Mr Ahern added that he hopes that the workforce will do nothing to damage employment or the economic position of the company.
