David Stanton
Question:193 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the progress and the position regarding the development of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7147/03]
Written Answers - Regional Airports.
It is recognised by Aer Rianta that Cork Airport needs significant investment as a result of the growth in traffic through the airport in recent years and the company is well advanced with its plans for a major new capital investment programme in infrastructure and facilities. The main feature of this programme, estimated to cost €130 million, is a 25,000 sq. m. terminal building. Planning permission for this project was secured last year and Aer Rianta is currently finalising its evaluation of tenders for the works. Aer Rianta expects that all necessary arrangements for the works to proceed will be concluded within the next couple of weeks. The company expects that the work will take two years to complete and the aim would be to have the new terminal ready for Cork's year as European City of Culture in 2005.