BRUCE BOURKE,
Sir, - I refer to the letters from Desmond O'Flynn (March 20th) and Michael O'Leary (March 26th) on the Aer Rianta airport parking monopoly.
I fly frequently to and from the UK, where a number of airports have large privately-owned car parks close to terminal buildings. The operators of these facilities provide online booking, secure parking, frequent shuttle buses to the departure terminal, and are contactable by courtesy telephone on return so that passengers may be transported back to their vehicles in an expedient fashion.
To park in the long-term car park in Manchester Airport over this Easter weekend would have cost me £33 sterling. The car park I used nearby cost £21.75 - a saving of 34 per cent. Perhaps Mr O'Leary is in a position to break the Aer Rianta monopoly in Ireland by developing a similar business close to Dublin Airport? I'm unsure whether Aer Rianta can prevent him running such a service currently, but having observed hundreds of cars parked in these facilities, I am sure it would be profitable.
What sweeter way to make his point? - Yours, etc.,
BRUCE BOURKE,
Leeds,
Yorkshire,
England.