Ryanair to meet TDs in bid to use old terminal

RYANAIR is about to launch a fresh bid to establish a new hub at Cork Airport.

Its deputy chief executive, Michael Cawley, will brief the city’s Oireachtas members on Thursday about how the low-fares giant could transform the airport’s old terminal building into a thriving new centre.

But last night, Mr Cawley said nothing could be done until the Government deals with the potentially crippling debt issue that still hangs over the airport.

He has previously said that if allowed to operate from the airport’s old terminal, Ryanair would base more planes in Cork.

“We would transform the old terminal into a very active terminal for Ryanair’s use, or anyone else’s use, and charge a more reasonable levy,” he said last night.

“We’ve developed Shannon along those lines. And what I’ll be doing on Thursday is outlining Cork’s potential.

“But the airport’s debt level has got to be established. Someone needs to get real about this and tell the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) what their finances are, and let them get on with running Cork Airport.”

Ryanair is on course to carry up to 1.5 million passengers through Shannon this year and is aiming to reach the two million mark in two to three years.

After a recent reduction in services out of Cork, Ryanair is on course to carry between 550,000 to 600,000 through Cork Airport, over a third of the airport’s total throughput.

Mr Cawley will tell politicians on Thursday what he thinks needs to happen for their vision at Cork to become a reality.

However, the CAA is unlikely to change its position on the old terminal.

A spokesman said the board has made no decision on the future of the building.

The third floor of the 1960s-built building is being used for office space.

Thursday’s meeting has been organised by Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen and will take place in Dublin.

Mr Allen said it was crucial for the future of Cork and the region that Ryanair’s business plans were outlined.

“This is not a political issue,” he said.

“I would like to hear what Mr Cawley has to say about Ryanair’s plans for Cork Airport.

“They have been developing Shannon at a huge rate. I would like to hear what Cork has to do to develop its business with Ryanair.

“Once we meet Ryanair, we should then meet the CAA to discuss the future of the airport.”