Simon Coveney
Question:112 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport his future plans for Aer Rianta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16708/03]
Written Answers. - Air Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:124 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the Government's plans for the future of Aer Rianta and the country's principal airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:155 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Cork and Shannon Airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16707/03]
I propose to take Question Nos. 112, 124 and 155 together.
It is my general policy that the three State airports should be in a position to provide cost competitive and appropriate infrastructure to meet the current and prospective needs of users consistent with a commercial mandate. There are two main issues in An Agreed Programme for Government relating to the future of Aer Rianta and the three State airports. These are the proposals concerning greater autonomy and independence for Shannon and Cork Airports and the commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at Dublin Airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits.
My Department is currently finalising a process of consultation with relevant interested parties and stakeholders in relation to both these issues. Following this consultation process it is my intention to continue discussions at Government in relation to both of these major initiatives as soon as possible.
With regard to the development of Cork and Shannon Airports, significant investment has been made by Aer Rianta at Shannon Airport in recent years in developing facilities for passengers and cargo. Following the completion of the terminal extension, Shannon now has capacity to handle up to 4.5 million passengers per annum. In the case of Cork Airport significant investment, estimated to cost €140 million, is about to commence which will involve the construction of a new terminal building, a new multi-storey car park, upgraded surface car-parking facilities and significantly improved internal road systems. The company expects that the new terminal will be operational in 2005.