Vol. 542 No. 3
26 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investment programme for the upgrading of Cork airport, including a time scale for the development; her views on whether the recent downturn in the airline industry will have any effect on this proposed development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24327/01]
Aer Rianta inform me that it has committed a total of IR£86 million or 109 mill ion to the development programme at Cork Airport. The main features of this programme 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 programme.
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 the application is expected to take about three months. On receipt of planning permission a detailed tendering process will be initiated and work will commence as early as possible after completion of this process. As of now, all going well, Aer Rianta anticipate a likely start date in the coming spring.
I do not believe that the recent downturn in the global aviation industry will affect Aer Rianta's development plans for Cork Airport. Despite recent events and the earlier foot and mouth disease epidemic in the UK, Aer Rianta believes that passenger traffic at Cork Airport could reach 1.75 million this year representing growth of almost 4% compared to 2000.
