CAA chairman to step down in July
Cork Airport Authority chairman Joe Gantly today announced that he will be stepping down from his position.
He told the board today that he has informed Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey that he will be standing down at the end of July this year.
Mr Gantly will have completed five years’ service at the end of July.
“When I was appointed as chairman designate of the Cork Airport Authority in August 2003, my objective was to expand the number of routes out of Cork, to increase passenger numbers, to open the new terminal and to bring Cork Airport to the point of separation from the Dublin Airport Authority,” he said.
“Having achieved those objectives, I feel that it is now timely for me to stand down and allow the process of identifying and appointing a new chairman to happen.”
Mr Gantly took the controversial deciding vote earlier this month to accept a €113m debt in order to allow Cork Airport to gain independence from the Dublin Airport Authority.
The board was split by six votes to five.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said: “On behalf of the Government I wish to thank Mr Gantly for his commitment and achievements as chairman.
“Over the period of his appointment he has made an excellent contribution to the development of Cork airport.
“Since 2003 traffic at the airport has grown from 2.1m passengers in 2003 to 3.1m passengers in 2007.
“During the same period the airport benefited from a €180m capital investment programme involving a new terminal and other major improvement that will enable the airport to serve as an economic gateway for Cork and its wider catchment area.
“I wish Joe every success for the future. I look forward to working with the CAA board as it proceeds with the next steps for the airport’s separation from the Dublin Airport Authority.”
