The State could be facing a summer of discontent in the transport sector, but the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, has said he will not back down on his plans to break up Aer Rianta and CIÉ
In an interview with The Irish Times, the Minister warned unions and management at both companies of his determination to push through the controversial changes. He said he could no longer stand over monopoly operations at Dublin airport or in CIÉ.
"I do not like monopolies of any kind, in the public or private sectors," he said.
"I am not naïve about the task ahead. I pushed through the penalty points system and it is now law. We have come a long way already. We have explained what we are doing ad nauseam and it is now decision time. I am absolutely determined on this," he added.
Mr Brennan hopes to bring proposals to Cabinet by the end of April, following detailed consultations with the unions. Mr Brennan also said he remained a firm supporter of a private terminal at Dublin Airport, which he claimed could be built within three years.
He said a recent report by former civil servant Mr Paddy Mullarkey had given weight to the idea, albeit with some qualifications.
Mr Brennan said providing competition for Aer Rianta at Dublin airport would give power back to the airlines and encourage new operators into Dublin. He rejected union claims that widespread job losses would result. "There will be a new terminal, it will be providing choice and providing jobs at the airport."
In relation to CIÉ, Mr Brennan said the main holding company would be dissolved and 25 per cent of Dublin Bus routes would be franchised out to other operators. This plan is being fiercely resisted by Dublin Bus unions and strike action may occur as a result.
"There may be a summer of discontent but I am pressing ahead with my plans, as set down in the Programme for Government."
He said liberalisation of the bus market was inevitable, either through him or the Supreme Court or the EU Commission. "I would obviously like it to be through me, because at least then we can manage the process."
Mr Brennan said Dublin Bus would benefit from such a change, as would the travelling public. He said new operators would be given licences, probably in early 2004, but if they did not provide a good service, the licences would be withdrawn subsequently.
Mr Brennan also criticised the way Aer Rianta has operated over the years, with Cork and Shannon airports not able to compete properly for business.
"For too many years, Cork and Shannon, have been held back from fulfilling their potential."
He said Cork and Shannon could become profitable by developing new routes and attracting new airlines. He said they could also get some of the business that usually flows through Dublin.
His views will come as a disappointment to Aer Rianta management who hoped the company would remain intact.
