Three years after promising the immediate construction of a State-owned, low-cost transport facility at Dublin airport - Pier D - to cater for an increasing number of visitors, not a single block has been laid and congestion at the airport has become chronic.
The same dismal lack of progress has been evident in the Government's handling of issues affecting the future funding and development of Aer Lingus. And the Government has not decided whether it will encourage competition through a privately-owned airport terminal in Dublin.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen is scheduled to make a presentation on these issues to his Cabinet colleagues today. But, according to involved insiders, final decisions are unlikely to be taken. Such procrastination is unacceptable for an industry where forward planning can spell the difference between success and failure. There is an urgent need to make progress. Air transport is a vital element of our national infrastructure. And it must be made as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
The Government's handling of air transport issues has been abysmal. It caused unnecessary difficulties with the trade union movement by allowing restructuring plans for Aer Rianta to become linked to proposed changes at Aer Lingus and at CIÉ. It prevented the construction of Pier D at Dublin airport as it explored the possibility of a privately-funded terminal. It delayed decisions on funding for new aircraft at Aer Lingus and eventually lost the services of Mr Willie Walsh, who had been a highly-effective chief executive.
Last year Taoiseach Bertie Ahern promised to resolve these matters before Christmas. And he became embroiled in confidential negotiations with trade union interests alongside Mr Cullen. We are still awaiting the outcome. On the basis of past experience, however, the compromises that are likely to emerge from those discussions may not provide the kind of fundamental restructuring and change that is required.
Competition is a vital ingredient in producing wealth, in developing the economy and in growing businesses. That is the single most important lesson that has been learned in this State in 20 years. And yet many people, be they employers or workers, resist change and innovation. In the past, Ireland's economic development was seriously impeded by monopolies and vested interests. But, in today's world, competition in air transport is seen as a positive development. The Government has delayed far too long in taking decisions on upgrading facilities at Dublin airport and providing for the future of Aer Lingus. It must get on with the job.