The seat-cost of the ATR is more, but seems to be compeditive with the FR 738 to UK destinations. The 738 is arguably too big and too heavy on the very short DUB-UK hops and the connections to the EI North America help too.
I'm really surprised and shocked at the, unnecessarily, negitive reaction to the arrival of a new airline and a new route. If a new airline and new route are so unwelcome we might as well close the gates. WX won't match FR on price or EI in frequency, but if fares are reasonable and timings are convenient this route could work. It could be convenient for the passenger with central London as their final destination.
In 2010 797,000 passengers travelled between ORK and LON. This is by far and away the largest market for cork. The LCY route simply has to work, make no mistake EI and FR will lower fares and may increase frequency. I hope WX can take the heat and the attraction of LCY will make the route a viable one. Three failures from three new routes by non-based airlines will be a disaster for the airport.