Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Regional Airports.

Bernard Allen

Question:

209 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the future development of Cork Airport; and the procedures which are being followed to ensure that the development programme announced in 2000 is being enforced. [24002/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Aer Rianta informs me that it has committed a total of £86 million – 109 million euro – to the development of Cork Airport. The original development plans announced by the company in 2000 and estimated at the time to cost in the region of £60 million – 76 million euro – have been subsumed into the new programme.

The main features of Aer Rianta's investment programme at Cork Airport are a 25,000 square metre terminal building with associated air bridge and hold baggage screening facilities. A multi-storey car park for 600 cars will also form part of the project. As regards the timescale for completion, I understand from Aer Rianta that the company lodged the necessary planning application with Cork County Council in August. Consideration of this application is expected to take about three months. On receipt of planning permission, Aer Rianta will initiate a detailed tendering process and work will commence as early as possible after completion of this process. As of now, the estimated timescale for starting the works is during spring of next year.