Jim O'Keeffe
Question:31 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she favours the improvement and expansion of facilities and services at Cork Airport; and her proposals in this regard. [10352/02]
Written Answers. - State Airports.
Proposals in relation to the development of 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.
I fully support the major development programme planned by Aer Rianta for Cork Airport which, the company informs me, will cost in excess of €100 million. It is recognised that the facilities at Cork are stretched, particularly at peak periods, and that further investment to cater for current passenger throughput and for future growth in passenger numbers is now urgently required.
This major investment programme consists of a terminal building with capacity to cater for three million passengers per annum, a multi-storey car park with covered access to the terminal, airbridges, the provision of hold baggage screening facilities and a control tower, which will be equipped by the Irish Aviation Authority. I understand that consultants are preparing the detailed design specifications and the project is expected to go to tender in May with the work expected to commence in the autumn.