Good points Cuallnow,
The scale of TA ops is the key that unlocks the sustainability of the short haul operation . Stobart Air competing on UK regional routes v Ryanair is a case in point. Aer Lingus need get after growth on TA ops in my view. No good reason that Dublin cannot become a hub airport of choice for connections between US and EU and further a field. plenty of capacity in DUB to support expansion, although some short haul may need to use T1!!