Madam, - With regard to Emmet Oliver's report headlined "Aer Rianta to seek landing charge rise" (Business, June 13th), it is simply beyond credulity that the Aer Rianta monopoly's response to the crisis in Irish tourism is to make it even more difficult and expensive to come to Ireland.
At a time when Ireland needs more competition and lower access charges, Aer Rianta does what monopolies do best - proposes to increase prices five-fold.
The Aer Rianta monopoly is killing Irish tourism with its price-gouging. The Taoiseach recently called for more competitiveness. Why doesn't he start with the State's own airport monopoly?
At a time when the Irish Hotel Federation, the Government Tourism Review Group, the Government committee of "Wise Men", the Aviation Regulator, Aer Lingus and Ryanair have called for the Government to proceed immediately with competing independent terminals which will lower costs, Aer Rianta want to jack up prices for its facilities by 500 per cent.
Monopolies increase prices. Only competition will reduce prices and improve service. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL FITZSIMMONS, Head of Communications, Ryanair, Corporate Head Office, Dublin Airport.