Cork airport offers excellent services

THE suggestion by Peter Levy that Shannon could serve as a second airport for Cork (County, August 28) ignores the fact there is already an excellent facility within a few minutes’ drive of Cork city.

The airport has scheduled and charter services to a range of British and European cities and has excellent connectivity to international hubs such as London, Amsterdam and Paris.

Mr Levy asserts that the runway at Cork is too short and that the airport is often closed due to low cloud and fog.

The length of the runway is adequate for all Cork’s existing services and, contrary to what is often reported, is not an issue in securing transatlantic services to New York and Boston.

The airport’s hilltop position does make it prone to poor visibility but the improved instrument landing system has greatly reduced the diversion rate and the airport is now seldom closed.

Of course, Cork airport is in need of further investment, having been starved of finance for decades while Shannon was propped up. Yet, if the growth patterns continue, Cork will be far and away the second busiest airport in the State in the years ahead.

Cllr Tom O’Driscoll

Members’ Room

City Hall

Cork