Airport blown off course by the winds of change

RECENTLY I returned to Ireland after a few years abroad. I have taken several flights since my return using my local airport, Cork. Last week my flight into it was diverted to Shannon because of a strong cross-wind.

This led me to enquire about facilities at Cork. I was taken aback by the revelation that despite a lot of trumpeting, things have not improved. There has been no investment in the cross runway, so users are likely to be diverted when the westerly wind rises.

Then I learned the Government has given Cork its own company to run and develop the airport. However, the Government has not given the company any power and it must apply to Dublin for every cent.

I have been soaked to the skin walking to the aircraft parking location. I have been soaked all over again getting to the car park. I have been fleeced to use the car park in addition to the excessive prices in shops and restaurants at the airport. Perhaps you will understand my amazement on learning that Shannon can offer incentives to airlines, an unprecedented redundancy payment to staff, and an astonishing €10,000 to those who opt to remain.

Meanwhile, Cork can’t even get a covered walkway for its rain-sodden users. The new board at Cork is getting money for jam. It appears to do nothing and certainly has no clout with its Dublin masters. It must be costing at least €250,000 a year to sustain this charade.

Spend the money on facilities, and not on Government appointees who deliberate on little more than the colour of the toilet paper.

Maybe I should move to Shannon.

Paul O’Reilly

19 Leeside Apartments

Devonshire Street West

Cork