Debt u-turn could cripple air authority

When the Government announced the break up of Aer Rianta in 2003, then Transport Minister Seamus Brennan promised the airport authorities in Shannon and Cork would start independent operations debt-free.

But now it seems the Government is reneging on the promise and trying to saddle Cork Airport Authority with half the debt for its new €160 million terminal.

The terminal has been badly needed for years and on the basis of the Government’s promise it was constructed. It is due to open on May 10.