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.