Let Ryanair use the old terminal

IN response to Michael Cawley of Ryanair (Letters, February 23), I would like to clarify what I meant by “planning issues” in my letter (February 16).

These issues related to the refusal by the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) to accept Ryanair’s offer to take over the now disused terminal at Cork airport. Planning permission had ceased on it when the new terminal opened.

What is even more amazing is that CAA staff still use the upper floors of the old terminal building as offices.

Given the recent and now regular threats of industrial action at Aer Lingus, the axing of routes (Cork-Warsaw) and the reduction in frequency of some flights (Cork-Heathrow), Ryanair offers a viable, sensible option.

Even if the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) decides to carry or reduce CAA’s debt burden, this is going to take time.

In the meantime, given the DAA’s silence on the matter, it makes perfect sense to take Ryanair up on its offer.

Ryanair’s willingness to use the old terminal is a fantastic opportunity. Given the CAA’s silence, I believe it is going to miss out on a chance that would not only benefit it, but also the greater travelling public.

The CAA is also failing to realise that Ryanair has a proven track record in delivering on its promises. While some airlines continue to reduce their operations, Ryanair continues to develop its network and add new routes.

Ryanair has put its cards on the table and I fully support it.

I call on the CAA to give the offer serious consideration.

Alan O’Mahony

Laurel Ridge

Shanakiel

Cork