Government attacked over airport debt row
Labour Cllr Michael O’Connell, who chairs the South West Regional Authority (SWRA), accused the Government of ignoring the body on issues of crucial economic importance to the region.
“We have tried in so far as possible not to make this a political issue,” he said.
“We have looked for meetings with the Transport Minister and with the Taoiseach but we have been ignored.
“It’s an absolute disgrace. The clock is running. We’re into the busiest season at the airport and there is still no clarity on the debt issue or when the terminal will open.”
Over a month-and-a-half since the terminal’s scheduled opening date was delayed, Cork Airport bosses still do not know what level of debt they will have to factor in to a business plan.
Consultants appointed to examine the issue have yet to report back to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which still retains control over Cork Airport.
And an opening date for Cork’s passenger terminal, which was due to open on May 10, has still not been fixed.
It is hoped the building will open on a phased basis in July.
Mr O’Connell said the SWRA will be calling for a definitive statement from the Government on both issues when members of the SWRA’s airport consultative meet next Monday.
The debt issue and the terminal opening date will be top of their agenda, he said.
They will also call on the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) to make a public statement on when the terminal will open.
“Hopefully it will be a constructive meeting and that something positive will come out of it,” he said.
“The growth of this region depends on our ability to attract new traffic to the airport. That could be affected if Cork has to carry the debt.
“This is going to be a political decision.”
He called on Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin to use his influence at Cabinet level to ensure the CAA can start independent operations debt-free.
