Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:
20
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the timetable for the proposed capital expenditure of £60 million at Cork Airport; the reason, the management-staff constructive participation programme, Compact, is not operating in Cork Airport; and if she will make a statement in regard to the future of Cork Airport.
[17242/00]
I am aware that Aer Rianta has proposed expenditure of up to £60 million at Cork Airport over the next five years, on a variety of airfield, terminal and ancillary projects. I understand that the company has every intention of completing that expenditure programme.
There is ongoing investment at the airport, with £6 million having been spent in 1999 on the overlay of the runway. Projects such as apron extensions and taxiway improvements, at a total cost of £8 million, are about to go to tender. They will commence as soon as possible and will take approximately 18 months to complete.
Plans are currently being finalised for an extensive upgrading of the roads, public car parks, including a multi-storey car park for which planning permission has already been obtained from Cork County Council, and other infrastructure such as upgrading of the water supply, drainage and sewerage facilities. The estimated cost of these infrastructural developments is £15 million and it is hoped that work on these projects will commence before year end.
Aer Rianta also have plans to double the capacity of the existing terminal building, which is estimated to cost £30 million, planning for which has already commenced. Work is expected to commence on this project in 2001.
In addition to these airport development projects, work has also commenced on the construction of the new Great Southern Hotel at Cork Airport, costing £7 million. This is scheduled to open in March 2001.
Aer Rianta funds its capital development programme at each of the three State airports from its own resources and borrowings. I will maintain an ongoing review of the capital programme at each of the State airports in the light of developments in traffic growth and Aer Rianta's future funding requirements and capacity.
As regards the management-staff constructive participation programme, the participation process in Aer Rianta is voluntary and there have been varying degrees of involvement by different groups at all locations. Cork Airport operates in a participative climate regardless of any formal structure and, against that background, communications between management and staff continue to receive a high priority.
With regard to the future of the State airports, including Cork Airport, as the Deputy is aware, I have already submitted the Warburg Dillon Read report on the future strategic direction of Aer Rianta to my Cabinet colleagues and also made it publicly available. I intend to bring specific recommendations to Government in this regard as soon as possible. No decision on future plans for any of the three State airports, including Cork Airport, will be taken in advance of that.
