Ireland will not be a main beneficiary of EU regional aid in the future as future spending will be targeted for Europe’s poorest regions, it has been claimed.

THREE local authorities have agreed to work together to restore the Cork to Swansea ferry link.

THE first concerted political effort to restore the Cork to Swansea ferry service will begin today.

THE urgency of restoring the Cork/Swansea car ferry for the 2009 season was highlighted yesterday, as the tourism industry continues to suffer a sharp decline in the south-west.

OPPOSITION parties piled on the political pressure last night as talks to restore the Cork Swansea ferry route remained delicately poised.

The Minister for Transport should make public the findings of a report on the Cork Airport debt issue, according to Councillor Michael O’Connell, chairman of the South West Regional Authority’s Cork Airport Consultative Committee.

AER LINGUS will introduce an early-morning flight from Heathrow to Cork next April — a decision that will boost business in the south.

ONE of the country’s top universities is aiming to develop stronger links with Ireland’s business community through the development of a major research facility.

THE Government came under fire again yesterday over the €100 million Cork Airport debt.

MANAGERS at Cork Airport will be asked to defend operations at their new terminal building following a wave of public criticism.

SIXTEEN months after the wrecking ball moved in, Cork’s new Jurys Hotel will reopen its doors at noon today after a €38 million redevelopment.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen refused to be drawn yesterday on the controversial Cork Airport debt issue just days before its new terminal is due to open.

THE chairman of a regional development body launched a blistering attack on the Government yesterday over its handling of the controversial Cork Airport debt and passenger terminal issues.

MEMBERS of Cork Kerry Tourism are facing a crucial vote this week on a major restructuring plan for the tourist industry.

CORK City Council last night called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern personally to intervene in the row over the €160 million debt for Cork Airport’s new terminal.

RYANAIR is threatening to pull out of Cork Airport over proposed new fees to cover the cost of building the airport’s new terminal.

MANAGERS at Cork Airport have been asked to freeze all airport charges until the controversial debt issue has been resolved.

THE bill for the new Cork Airport development could eventually reach €200 million - at least €40m more than the figure being quoted at the moment.

THE transport minister kicked for touch yesterday over the potentially crippling €160 million debt facing Cork Airport.

Eoin English

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey today formally launched the South West Regional Authority's nationwide survey of satellite broadband users.

SPACE AGE technology can help bring about major changes in the lives of people living in areas away from the main centres of population, a European expert has told an international conference, in Killarney.

KERRY North Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has lost his seat on the South West Regional Authority because he has not attended more than six meetings.