The proper development of airports in Ireland, including Dublin, in a long term sustainable way is vital for the national economy, local communities, the environment, local businesses and the travelling public. The global aviation sector is a fast moving and competitive economic sector. The objective of the Fingal County Development Board in organising this conference is to bring the debate about Irish aviation to a higher strategic level that heretofore. Put simply, when considering such critical issues as the development of Irish aviation, including its airports, we have to take the long view, projecting not merely years but decades ahead.
For the first time in Ireland this conference is bringing together people, in a public debate, who have extensive knowledge and responsibilities, both globally and nationally, across a range of key sectors viz.: economic, social, environmental and commercial. The willingness of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, of senior members of various Government Departments, as well as very high calibre international speakers, such as Professor Thomas, to participate in this event, and the involvement of Insight Media, is an indication of how significantly this conference is regarded.
In establishing in 2005 the Dublin Airport Stakeholders Forum, which is chaired by Dr Danny O'Hare, formerly the President of Dublin City University, the Fingal Development Board has already initiated a ground-breaking response to the complexity of the task of sustainable development at Dublin Airport. Over the past year, the Forum has facilitated a comprehensive exchange of views from 32 of the varied legitimate interest groups and communities that are availing of, and affected by, or responsible for the provision of the services at Dublin Airport.
The Fingal County Development Board has identified the need to both broaden and deepen the debate about aviation and airport development in Fingal, but the issues that we must address have implications that are also critical for Dublin, Ireland and indeed globally.
This October 23 & 24 Conference is a further step by the Board, in conjunction with Insight Media, to further develop constructive and informed debate abut the future of airport development, including Dublin Airport.