Sir, The case for Dublin's second international airport is, well founded and requires the immediate development of a plan to have an alternative to Collinstown well under way by the year 2000. On balance the proposal to develop Baldonnel for this purpose has some merit and should receive the consideration that it deserves.
However, the idea that a State asset like Baldonnel should some how be gifted to private enterprise for the further enrichment of the few should not be given a "moment's consideration. The task is clearly the responsibility of the national airports authority, namely, Aer Rianta which has a proven track record of success here in Ireland and abroad.
Various vested interests have attempted to disguise their motives with regard to Baldonnel by their sudden concern for the Packard workers in Tallaght. Their cynical claims that 2,000 jobs could be created in this area is certainly not supported for example, by the number of people from Ballymun who are employed at Collinstown.
These same vested interests have long sought an opportunity to privatise Aer Rianta, and the fledgling Irish Aviation Authority and any other profitable semi state enterprise. They will demand the right under the guise of competition, market forces and EU deregulation to cherry pick CIE, An Post and Aer Lingus, but, will leave the bitter loss making fruit to the State boards.
The Government partners would be well advised to examine the credentials of some of the proposers of the Baldonnel privatisation before giving credence to, their hollow cries of concern for jobs for the people of Tallaght.
Unless Dr Tony Ryan of GPA and Ryanair, has had a recent conversion to people's rights to trade union representation and job creation, his interest in Baldonnel must be seen a less than completely altruistic.
Yours, etc., Howth, Co Dublin.