asked the Minister for Communications his present policy in relation to the development of Cork airport.
Written Answers. - Cork Airport Development.
74.
My policy in relation to Cork airport, in common with the other State airports at Dublin and Shannon, is to promote the development of traffic through the airport to the maximum extent possible. For this purpose, the necessary moneys are provided on an annual basis to maintain and develop the infrastructural facilities at the airport.
There is, however, as the Deputy will understand, a limit to the amount of Exchequer finance which can be provided for this purpose in any one year and investment proposals are considered in the light of air traffic needs, the overriding consideration of safety of operation, the competing demands for Exchequer resources and the criteria governing capital expenditure in the public sector.
During the past three years, £750,000 of Exchequer funds have been spent on capital works at Cork airport. During the present year Exchequer funds of the order of £1 million are being provided for a number of capital projects at the airport, the principal one being the provision of a new instrument landing system. In addition, Aer Rianta have recently received approval for expenditure of the order of £250,000 for improvements to the terminal building. This work will be carried out in 1987.
As the Deputy will also be aware, I have adopted a series of measures aimed at liberalising air transport generally and I have taken a number of initiatives on air fares including in recent times the refusal of an application by carriers operating to the UK from Cork airport for an increase in basic air fares. I have also recently announced reductions in air fares to continental destinations for the winter.
As regards new services from Cork, Ryanair have applied to me for approval to operate air services to Luton from Cork which is a route not included in the present bilateral air agreement. A decision on the Ryanair application will be taken in the light of the outcome of discussions taking place between the Irish and UK authorities on a revision of the Ireland-UK Air Services Agreement.