Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
355 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify his comments, as reported in the local press, made during his recent visit to Cork regarding the provision of airbridges in Cork Airport; if he will report on the responsibility of the Cork Airport Authority and the Dublin Airport Authority in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3866/05]
View answerUntil the relevant assets are vested in the Cork and Shannon Airport Authorities, in accordance with the framework provided for in the State Airports Act 2004, overall stewardship of Cork Airport, including the major development programme under way at that airport, remains with the Dublin Airport Authority subject to any agreed delegated arrangements made with the new Cork Airport Authority.
I understand from the Dublin Airport Authority that the main airline customers using Cork Airport do not support the provision of airbridges as originally envisaged in the plans for the airport development programme and, accordingly, the current works do not provide for airbridges. The Cork Airport development project has a substantial budget assigned to it. It is a matter for the airport authorities concerned to decide how best to use the available budget to ensure the continued growth and success of Cork Airport.
