Independence would harm airport’s future: Varadkar

Granting independence to Cork Airport could put its future at risk, the transport and tourism minister warned last night.

Leo Varadkar was responding to criticism of the Government’s handling of the airport from a member of one of Ireland’s most successful music touring acts.

Irish Tenors star Finbar Wright criticised Cork Airport’s lack of international connectivity which, he said, was costing the region millions in lost tourism revenue, and criticised “decision-makers” for putting barriers up to tourists.

“The one phrase I hear, time and time again while in the US, and the one that always makes my heart sink is: ‘We visited Ireland last year, but we didn’t get to Cork — maybe next time’.

“These decision-makers make a song and dance about supporting events and festivals here, but they miss the vital piece of the puzzle, and that is access. If access isn’t easy then people won’t come.”

Pat Dawson of the Irish Travel Agents Association said tourism in Cork was “under-developed”.