Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
127. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the strategic importance of Cork Airport to the development of the west Cork economy noting in particular the reliance of west Cork on tourism; the steps he will take to ensure that any future plans to develop the airport will ensure adequate input from the west Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7713/14]
View answer789. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that Cork Airport is assisted to grow to its full potential in the coming years as the economy begins to improve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/14]
View answer790. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the offer from Ryanair to take over the old terminal building at Cork Airport to develop a hub; if he has discussed this proposal with the board of Cork Airport; if he is satisfied that the proposal has considerable merit and is being considered by the board of the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7679/14]
View answer791. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that are being taken by the board of Cork Airport to attract new routes to the airport; if he is satisfied with the level of growth being achieved by the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7680/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 789 to 791, inclusive, together.
As I informed the the Deputy on 28 January, both Dublin and Cork Airports are owned and managed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which operates under a clear commercial mandate. The development of Cork Airport and the promotion of new routes at the Airport are matters for DAA and Cork Airport management and are not matters in which I have a direct role, although I am willing to be supportive in any way that I can.
As you are aware, Cork Airport management have ongoing discussions and dialogue with Ryanair, as well as other airlines, on the development of new routes and services. I am pleased to confirm that Ryanair increased its business there by almost 30% in 2013. There is adequate capacity to handle any such expansion in the existing terminal. I have indicated previously the question of the use of the old terminal does not arise as it has been decommissioned for use as an airport terminal.
I am very conscious of the importance of Cork Airport in the development of the economy of the region as a whole, in particular, tourism. This is why DAA has established a Development Council for Cork Airport with its first meeting to take place in early March. This Council will provide for strong engagement with, and alignment among, key stakeholders in the Cork region and will serve to foster a common understanding, particularly at local level, of issues of concern, potential opportunities for growth and the operating performance of the airport. I hope the Council will be successful in its work as a vibrant Cork Airport will ultimately benefit both Cork and the wider region.
