A Government group, set up to find ways out of the tourist industry crisis caused by the US terrorist attacks, tonight called for "a more aggressive drive" to boost airpost passenger numbers.
The inter-departmental group's report, which has been submitted to the Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, also said Aer Rianta should encourage traffic growth in Dublin by low-fares airlines like Ryanair.
Mr Ahern tonight said he had consulted Public Enterprise Minister Ms Mary O'Rourke, who had asked Aer Rianta to respond to the proposals within a week.
Afterwards the company said they were examining how the government's bid for increased numbers could best be supported and would discuss initiatives at a meeting on Wednesday.
Aer Rianta pointed out that a programme of zero airport charges for new routes from Dublin had already been announced.
And company chairman Mr Noel Hanlon said: "The prime objective will be to ensure that Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports are cost-competitive and have the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of the international airline industry.
He said passenger numbers at the company's airports had shown "a most encouraging increase" in recent weeks, and it was hoped the upward trend would continue.
The government group said the more aggressive drive they were seeking to push up passenger numbers should be brought about through pricing and marketing strategies.
PA