Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - State Airports.

Bernard Allen

Question:

124 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement on the situation whereby the proposed £100 million development at Cork Airport may have to be delayed because of the investment required to provide a special terminal at Dublin Airport for low cost airlines. [29878/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

Aer Rianta's proposals on the three State airports, including Cork Airport, are in the first instance a matter for Aer Rianta, which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airports and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers. Aer Rianta informs me that it is committed to a major expansion programme at Cork Airport amounting to £86 million or 109 million of new capital investment in infrastructure and facilities.

The main features of Aer Rianta's investment programme at Cork Airport are a 25,000 sq.m. terminal building with associated airbridge and hold baggage screening facilities. A multi-storey car park for 600 cars will also form part of the project. The company informs me that its plans in relation to these major investments in Cork Airport are proceeding and that there is no question of any delays arising from Aer Rianta's development programmes at the other State airports.

I understand from Aer Rianta that Cork County Council has decided to grant planning permission for its development programme at Cork Airport. Subject to any appeals to An Bord Pleanála of the local authority's planning permission, Aer Rianta expects to initiate a detailed tendering process with work to commence as early as possible after completion of this process. As of now, the estimated time scale for starting the works is during spring of next year.