The "stand-alone" policy of the State's regional airports should be reviewed, an NUI Galway academic has said, writes Lorna Siggins in Galway.
The six airports - Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Knock, Sligo and Waterford - would have a far more secure future if there was greater co-operation in marketing, policy-making, training and provision of facilities, said Dr Kieran Woodman, author of a new book on Galway Airport.
Co-operation has been confined to the exchange of management experiences, he said. "Part enterprises become possible and problems become soluble when collaboration, co-ordination and convergence of purpose are seen as the gateway to a stable recovery and reliable renewal."
Galway Airport recorded more than 200,000 passengers last year. The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, paid tribute to all who contributed to that success when he marked the publication of Dr Woodman's book, Galway Airport: A Chronicle, 1913-2002.