John Dennehy
Ceist:139 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will support a rail link to Cork Airport as a means of further improving the attractiveness of the airport. [30845/01]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Various rail based options for the future development of public transport in the Cork area were examined as part of the preparatory work for the development of the Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001-2020. I am advised that this plan, which was commissioned jointly by Cork County Council and Cork Corporation, has recently been adopted by both councils.
I am informed that a rail link to Cork Airport was not among the transport options put forward in the plan. However, I am advised that the plan does recognise the importance of improving public transport links to the airport. In that regard, the plan proposes the provision of a quality bus corridor with a high frequency service from the airport to the city centre and Kent Station. Improved journey times and reliability would be supported by the introduction of additional bus priority measures at the Kinsale Road roundabout and the south city link. These matters will now fall to be pursued by both Cork Corporation and Cork County Council in consultation with Bus Éireann.