The Dublin Airport Authority has this evening confirmed that it is seeking up to 150 voluntary redundancies at Dublin airport.
The redundancies are part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing its cost base at Irish airports.
Initially the schemes will only apply to areas being restructured.
These include retail and passenger services at Dublin Airport's Terminal One, and the DAA's asset management and development division.
However, applications from staff in other areas may be considered if funds are available. The closing date for applications is June 22.
In a letter signed by the DAA's Director of Human Resources Damien Lenagh, the company said the airports continue to face major commercial challenges as the financial crisis and unemployment continue to have a negative impact on consumer spending.
As a result, the public are travelling less, and spending less in retail outlets and car parks.
Mr Lenagh noted that a previous restructuring known as the Cost Recovery Programme had helped to stabilise the DAA's financial position, but says the external environment has worsened radically since the CRP was agreed.
As a result, the company wants to restructure a number of business units, which will involve staff reductions. It is introducing a limited voluntary severance and early retirement scheme aimed at securing up to 150 departures.
Mr Lenagh also warned that any future severance or early retirement schemes are likely to be less financially beneficial than the scheme announced today.
He concluded by saying that the company remains committed to maintaining good quality sustainable employment levels consistent with market demand, but said it has to continue to take steps to address issues within its cost base.
The move comes just a day after the Government announced plans to separate Shannon airport from the DAA structure and merge it with Shannon Development. It will leave Shannon's debt of €100m with the remaining entity comprising Dublin and Cork airports.
