Resolution to airport debt ‘unlikely’
Members of the South West Regional Authority’s (SWRA) airport consultative committee were told the issue was unlikely to be resolved before the General Election.
The continuing debt concerns exist despite reassurances from senior Fianna Fáil sources in recent weeks that the issue was receiving attention at the “highest level” and would be resolved before election day.
The SWRA, which includes FF backbenchers, unanimously passed a motion calling on whatever government was in power after the election to ensure the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) started independent operations debt free.
Attempts to saddle the CAA with a €100m debt emerged last March.
The move, outlined to CAA board chairman Joe Gantly by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, sparked huge controversy because former Transport Minister Seamus Brennan pledged in 2003 that the CAA would start operations debt free.
The CAA board rejected the imposition of the debt and appointed consultants to draft reports in a bid to resolve the situation. Mr Ahern backed down and supported the move.
But the SWRA, which advises on development issues and strategic planning matters for Cork and Kerry, was told yesterday that little progress has been made.
Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen said that if elected, his party would take decisive action on the issue.
“We will call the Dublin Airport Authority in and demand the full facts in relation to what is a commercial cock-up,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, the CAA confirmed yesterday that is has begun fresh talks with leading airlines on launching a transatlantic service from Cork.
Airport marketing manager Kevin Cullinane told a meeting that talks have advanced with “recognised brand names in the Irish market” in relation to services to airports on the east coast of the US.
Aer Lingus, Delta and Continental Airlines are the main players. They can operate extended-range 757s to airports in New York, Boston and Washington.
Mr Cullinane said the results of the talks will not be seen until next March, in time for the 2008 summer schedule.
It is also understood that talks continue on a possible route from Cork to Halifax in Canada.
Meanwhile, announcements on routes to central and eastern Europe are expected within the next three weeks.
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