Jim O'Keeffe
Question:42 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has for the future development of Cork Airport.
Written Answers. - Cork Airport.
The fourth and final phase of the £9 million terminal building development project is scheduled to commence in June of this year. This phase will involve the provision of lifts, escalators and passenger check-in facilities at a cost of £2.7 million. Improvements to airside facilities — apron extension, runway turnaround, lighting and fire tenders — costing £2 million are in progress.
Another project proposed at Cork Airport is the enhancement of the public car park through the provision of pay-on-foot equipment at a cost of £0.5 million. This facility will be available for the summer 1993 season.
The principal infrastructural works planned during the period 1994-2000 will include development of a parallel taxiway system, construction of alternative cargo handling facilities and some additional apron, at a total cost of approximately £12 million.
In addition, a major development is planned adjacent to the airport involving a joint venture between Aer Rianta and a private company. A formal planning application for this development has been submitted to Cork County Council and their decision is awaited.
Other than in 1991, when Cork Airport was hit by the Gulf War and the effects of the recession in the UK and US, traffic has shown consistent improvements. Aer Rianta anticipate an increase of 5 per cent in traffic in 1993.