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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Air Services.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

590 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to create an independent board for Cork Airport; the likely timetable for the construction of the new terminal at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/02]

The programme for Government provides that, as part of the process of continuing to transform Aer Rianta, the Government will ensure that Shannon and Cork airports have greater autonomy and independence.

A debate has now been stimulated by me within the Shannon and Cork regions and at a national level on the best ownership structure for these two airports going forward. I visited both Shannon and Cork recently to further stimulate this debate and to seek out the views of local interests. As the Deputy will be aware, I have already made it clear that the issue of greater autonomy for Shannon and Cork is being considered solely in the context of continued State ownership of those airports.

There is a genuine sense of goodwill towards the airports in the two regions on the part of local tourism and business interests and views may differ on the best way forward. However, I will listen carefully to the views of all interested parties before framing proposals to bring to Government.

It is recognised by Aer Rianta that Cork Airport needs significant investment as a result of the growth in traffic through the airport in recent years and the company is well advanced with its plans for a major new capital investment pro gramme in infrastructure and facilities. The main feature of this programme, estimated to cost €130 million, is a 25,000 square metre terminal building. Planning permission for this project was secured earlier this year and Aer Rianta is currently evaluating tenders for the works. The company expects that the work will take two years to complete and the aim would be to have the new terminal ready for Cork's year as European City of Culture in 2005. I have made it clear that this project will proceed, whatever the outcome of my current examination of options for greater autonomy for Cork airport.
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