Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the initial restructuring of the State’s airports is the first step for increased autonomy at Cork Airport.  Deputy Buttimer was commenting after the announcement of the restructuring of the State’s airports by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD.
 
“I have consistently said that it is important that Cork Airport has increased autonomy and is given the ability to develop its own business without being constrained by Dublin.  Today’s announcement brings us closer to that point and to increased autonomy for Cork Airport.
 
“Minister Varadkar and Minister Bruton confirmed this morning that the Government has decided to restructure the ownership of Shannon Airport, separating it from the Dublin Airport authority (DAA). The Ministers also confirmed that the DAA will be renamed to acknowledge its responsibility for more than just Dublin Airport.
 
“The Government has decided that, for the present, Cork Airport will remain in State ownership in a restructured DAA.  This is in keeping with the recommendations of the consultants’ report commissioned by the Minister.
 
“For almost a decade, indecision has plagued Cork Airport, hampering its expansion and development.  Now the Minister is putting in place a clear plan for the future of the Airport, which enable it to grow and benefit Cork and the wider region.
 
“The development and expansion of services at the Airport is just one element of what is needed to drive business and tourism in Cork.  There remains a heavy responsibility on the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to promote and market Cork as a destination of choice for both business and tourism.
 
“Promoting Cork requires all stakeholders working together, developing strategies to deliver for local businesses and communities. One development which will significantly drive the development and promotion of Cork is the development of a world class conference centre.  There needs to be a partnership between State agencies and private investment to ensure that this essential amenity is delivered.”
 
Ends

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork, Cork City, Development, Douglas, Infastructure, South Central, South East, South West, Tourism, Transport

€17m to be provided for housing supply and to improve housing stock in the city
 
Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement of more than €23 million to be made available to Cork City and County Councils for social and voluntary housing and regeneration projects in 2012. This is part of more than €250 million in housing capital allocations to be distributed to local authorities throughout the country to support social housing nationally.
 
“The details of the allocations to local authorities were announced today by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan. As part of the overall allocation of €691 million for local authorities under the Social Housing Investment Programme for 2012, €251.5 million is being used to support the national regeneration programme, to improve the standard of energy efficiency of the national housing stock and to fulfil commitments under existing contracts for the delivery of social and voluntary housing.
 
“Cork City Council is in line to receive €16,994,750, €13.5 million of which will be used for improving the housing stock, including regeneration, with the balance going towards housing supply. Cork County Council is set to receive €6,657,456.
 
“The reality is that the demand for social and voluntary housing remains high. This is forcing the Government to come up with new and innovative ways of doing more with less.
 
“The Minister has said she expects to be able to deliver between 3,500 and 4,000 additional social housing units this year through measures such as the Capital Advance Leasing Facility. It is expected that additional investment in improving the housing stock will see another 1,500 properties that are currently vacant, being brought back into use.
 
“By focusing on improving older housing stock and bringing vacant premises back into circulation, new life will be brought back into areas that have been neglected and ignored. It is the Minister’s intention to announce a three-year programme of new construction projects later this year, albeit on a limited scale, to cover the period to end 2014. Times are tight but the housing needs of people must still be met. I am delighted that such a generous allocation has been made for Cork city and county and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring for the locality into the future.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Development, Douglas, Infastructure, National Work, South Central, South East, South West

 
Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed comments from the  Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, that he was considering the construction of a new prison for Cork on the car park site adjacent to the existing facility.
 
“This is a positive announcement by the Minister.  For many years Cork Prison has suffered from problems of overcrowding and the lack of in-cell sanitation.  The Minister, having seen these problems first hand, is now taking steps to eliminate the difficulties and improve the criminal justice infrastructure in Cork.
 
“A Cork specific strategy which comprises building a new prison and the enhancement of sentence management has been developed. Both elements will combine to relieve overcrowding and improve the management of offenders while in custody and when released.  This integrated strategy will improve the education and rehabilitation of offenders enhancing public safety.
 
“The proposals to build a new prison on the car park of the existing facility are cost effective and recognise the current economic climate.  While a final decision is dependent on detailed plans and costs, I would encourage the Minister to proceed with these proposals as they will eliminate some of the long-standing problems faced by Cork Prison, creating valuable jobs during the construction phase of the new prison in the process.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Development, Douglas, Infastructure, Justice & Equality, National Work