David Stanton
Question:32 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals regarding the future development of Cork Airport; the costs involved; the timescale envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18187/01]
Other Questions. - State Airports.
Aer Rianta funds its capital development programme at each of the three State airports, including Cork Airport. A major expansion programme, costing in excess of £60 million, is under way at Cork Airport to facilitate the projected increased growth in passenger numbers and aircraft movements. To meet this demand, Aer Rianta is pursuing a programme to increase the capacity of the terminal building, car parking facilities and the road and airfield infra structures. A number of engineering upgrades have already been carried out and the main runway has been overlaid with asphalt and widened.
I am informed by Aer Rianta that work will advance this year on a major project to extend the terminal building at Cork. Aer Rianta is currently working on design options for the terminal and this will be followed by the company's application for planning permission for the selected design. The works will then be put out to tender and assuming no delays in the planning process, Aer Rianta expects building to start before the end of this year. 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. It is anticipated that the development of the terminal building and car parking facilities will be completed within 15 months of receipt of planning permission. Aer Rianta also plans to provide additional aircraft parking stands, a new link taxiway by July 2002 and a remote apron to accommodate aircraft stands and associated taxiway by the end of next year.
A new control tower and ancillary accommodation will be constructed on the west side of the airfield directly opposite the terminal building. This will provide a custom built facility, fully equipped with state of the art air traffic management systems by the Irish Aviation Authority. Most of this work will be carried out in 2002. The existing fire station will also receive a major refurbishment to be completed by the end of 2002.
This work was badly needed and it is welcome that it is being done now. Does the Minister agree the two runways at Cork Airport need to be extended to take long haul traffic from America? Has she carried out any assessment of that, or does she have any information on that? It is not possible at the moment to take aircraft from America in Cork. What is the Minister doing in regard to the vacancy on the Aer Rianta board? Does she agree it would be important to have somebody from Cork on the board so that the development of Cork Airport could be assisted by somebody from Cork?
That board vacancy was filled. It was announced in the newspapers on Sunday. Freda Hayes has been appointed. She is a woman and is from Cork, so that must satisfy all the Deputy's politically correct ambitions in that regard.
What are her political affiliations?
I do not know her affiliation. I can imagine, but I did not ask. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, was very anxious that someone from Cork be appointed as were all the Cork Deputies. I am sure Deputy Stanton wishes her well in her new post.
Absolutely.
The Deputy asked me for information which I do not have here about the other terminal. I have received correspondence from people in Cork about their wish to have links with the US. If that terminal was to be extended for that purpose, bi-laterals would have to be worked out. One cannot just decide that one would like to run a service to the US. The Government and the airlines would have to work out bi-laterals between one country and another. I will send the Deputy information about the other terminal which I do not have here.
Is it true negotiations are about to begin in regard to these bi-laterals? Will the Minister undertake to keep Cork in mind when these are ongoing?
There are no current negotiations in regard to bi-laterals.
They are to begin shortly – within the next 12 months.
I have not been informed. I do not think they are. There may be renewals but I do not envisage there will be negotiations about fresh destinations. I will, however, make inquiries about that.