Ryanair has accused the government of “telling lies” over hangar 6 at Dublin airport.

The airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary says he believes Aer Lingus was moved into the hangar to prevent his company from using the facility.

The airline has this evening published correspondence showing it offered to create 500 jobs – 10 months before Aer Lingus signed a lease for the hangar – the former SR Technics site.

Ryanair first wrote to the Tanaiste Mary Coughlan on Feburary 26th last year – but the contract with Aer Lingus was not signed until Christmas Eve.

Michael O’Leary is also accusing the Taoiseach and Tanaiste of repeatedly lying in the Dail about the  Aer Lingus deal.

“There was impediment last year to the governemnt either selling us or leasing us hanger six – because it was empty” he said.

“The facts – which are that the DAA leased the building to Aer Lingus on Christmas Eve – now support that”.

“What we’ve seen in the last two weeks is both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste frankly telling lies to the Dail, to cover up what seems to be a cover-up” he added.