Deirdre Clune
Question:92 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her position with regard to the provision of State funding for the future development of Cork Airport and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3896/01]
Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
Aer Rianta funds its capital development programme at each of the three State airports, including Cork Airport, from its own resources without recourse to Exchequer funding.
Aer Rianta's current development plan for Cork Airport, costing in excess of £60 million, is proceeding. A number of engineering upgrades have already been carried out and the main runway has been overlaid and widened.
I am informed by Aer Rianta that work will advance this year on the proposal to extend the terminal building at Cork. Within the next week or so, Aer Rianta will seek consultants to draw up design options for the terminal. This work is scheduled to be completed by July following which planning permission will be sought for the selected design. The works will then be put out to tender and assuming no delays in the planning process, Aer Rianta expect to have contractors on site in spring of next year.
I would greatly prefer if construction work on the terminal in Cork could get under way before the end of the current year and I will be asking Aer Rianta to do everything possible to expedite their plans in this regard.
A major extension to the apron at Cork is currently in progress. The provision of extra surface car parking and improvements to the internal road system will also proceed this year and commencement of a multi-storey car park with covered access to the terminal will follow upon completion of major preliminary earthworks. The new Great Southern Hotel at Cork Airport is on target to open next month.