Deirdre Clune
Question:114 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when she proposes to provide the £60 million required to meet the development plan for Cork airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14991/00]
Written Answers. - Air Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:115 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has had discussions with Aer Rianta regarding its failure to implement its £61 million investment programme in Cork airport. [15159/00]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
Aer Rianta funds its capital development programme at each of the three State airports entirely from its own resources. I am aware that the company has proposed expenditure of up to £60 million at Cork Airport over the next five years, on a variety of airfield, terminal and ancillary projects.
There is ongoing investment at the airport, with £6 million having been spent in 1999 on the overlay of the runway. Projects such as apron and taxiway extensions, at a total cost of £8 million, are about to go to tender and will be completed within a year. A project to double the capacity of the existing terminal building, which will cost £30 million, is planned by Aer Rianta to commence in 2001.
Work has also commenced on the construction of the new Great Southern Hotel at the entrance to Cork airport, costing £7 million.
I will maintain an ongoing review of the capital programme at each of the State airports in the light of developments in traffic growth and Aer Rianta's future funding requirements and capacity.