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

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement of €21,750 support for the Corona Cork Film Festival.  Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring TD has today (Thursday) announced €180,000 to support ten festivals taking place all around Ireland this year.
 
“The funding announced by the Minister will help develop and promote the Cork Film Festival.  It will ensure that it continues to be a successful event on Cork’s calendar of festivals.
 
“This year’s festival will be the 57th time the annual event takes place.  It has become an event to look forward to each year.  I’m confident that with this funding, continued local support and the dedication of the staff and volunteers this year’s Cork Film Festival will be another resounding success, continuing to build on its reputation as a premier festival for screening short films.
 
“Cork is a festival city, all through the year there are different events and festival attracting tourists to the city.  These festivals give the city an unrivalled vibrancy, they make it a great place to spend a weekend and to socialise with family and friends.
 
“Locally and nationally tourism is an important contributor to our economy, supporting festivals and events that attract visitors is vital to developing the tourism industry.  Festivals can act as an incentive for people to visit and spend money which adds to the local economy.”

Posted under Cork, Cork City, National Work, Tourism

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has announced that he will hold a special clinic on the future of Cork Airport.  The clinic will take place in Deputy Buttimer’s constituency office at 4a Glasheen Road, Cork on Monday 14 November 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
 
Deputy Buttimer said “the idea behind the clinic is to listen to people’s concerns and to hear their ideas on the best ways to develop and grow the operation of the airport.  The future of Cork Airport is vital to the development of the city, county and entire region.
 
“Recently the Minister for Transport commissioned a report on the future of Cork Airport, this is currently being prepared.  Because of the importance of this process I commenced a series of meeting on this issue.  Already I have met with the Minister, the consultants, Booz & Company, and some airport employees.  As I embark on the next phase of this process I would like to hear the views of the public, business groups and any other group interested in the future of Cork Airport.
 
“I welcome the fact that Minister Varadkar is prepared to tackle the half-way house arrangement which has been in place since 2004.  The previous Government put decisions on the future of Cork Airport on the long finger; it has now come to a critical stage where the airport needs a clear business plan.
 
“It is important that we maximise local input in the process, ensuring local concerns are heard and listened to.  I invite any interested individuals, community groups and businesses to meet with me at my clinic on the future of Cork Airport to discuss these important developments.”

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