TD'S CONCERN OVER CORK AIRPORT - The plan was to create three distinct, separate and competitive businesses at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
The plan was delayed for various reasons - one of the key ones being how much debt Cork Airport should carry arising from the cost of its new terminal.
But last night the reality of the economic downturn hit home. RTE's industry and employment correspondent Ingrid Miley says the decision to separate the airports may be deferred by up to three years.
Labour Party TD for Cork South Central, Ciaran Lynch, claimed the Government had prevaricated on key issues facing Cork Airport. He said that in the current economic circumstances, it would be better if Cork Airport were independent, as this would help tourism and local business.
Deputy Lynch says Cork Airport is 'hamstrung' by the DAA in terms of marketing and negotiating with airlines on services.
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UK EXPORTERS SEEK GOVERNMENT HELP - Britain is our largest export market but we are looking very unattractive just now given the continued weakness of sterling against the euro. This morning the euro is at another fresh high, worth 87.8p sterling. Our exports last year to the UK were worth €18 billion.
John Whelan of the Irish Exporters Association says 20% has been wiped off the value of exports to the UK in the last six months. Mr Whelan said the sterling situation had reached 'crisis point' and exporters were now looking for an emergency currency equalisation package from Government.
The euro is worth $1.3125 and 87.8p sterling.
