Question to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Dr Leo Varadkar, TD)
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential of formalised stakeholder engagement regarding the development of State airports; if he will consider liaising with airport management to establish such a consultative body for Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer.
For ORAL answer on Thursday, 19th December, 2013.
REPLY
As the Deputy will be aware Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) between them have statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop the three State Airports and as such engagement with stakeholders is an operational matter for the companies involved.
Policy in relation to the future of Cork airport of was decided by Government in November 2012 in the context of the decision to separate Shannon Airport from the DAA. The Government decided then that the existing ownership of Cork Airport by the DAA would be maintained for the present. That decision is consistant with the Booz and Co. report on the future ownership and operation of Cork and Shannon Airports, that found that Cork Airport performs well under DAA ownership and management and operates to a sustainable business model.
In the circumstances, a Development Council for Cork Airport is to be established. The Council will provide for strong engagement with, and alignment among, the key stakeholders in the Cork region and will serve to foster a common understanding, particularly at local level, of issues of concern, potential opportunities for growth, and the operating performance of the airport. I understand that the Council is to be established shortly and I hope that its work will lead to improved traffic growth that will ultimately benefit the Cork area and region.