Chambers Ireland objects to merger

Chambers Ireland, the State’s largest business organisation, is calling on the European Commission to reject Ryanair’s proposal…

Chambers Ireland, the State’s largest business organisation, is calling on the European Commission to reject Ryanair’s proposal to increase its stake in Aer Lingus.

The group is making a submission to the European Commission today, highlighting the negative impacts of a possible Ryanair-Aer Lingus merger on Irish businesses.

Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot said: “Any merger between Ryanair and Aer Lingus would be anti-competitive and bad for Irish business.”

The chambers’ submission to the European Commission comes as Aer Arann announced yesterday it will extend its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus until 2022, adding two new routes to its network this summer.