The launch of a €200m Capital Development Plan charts the course for Cork Airport’s future growth to beyond five million passengers per annum into the years ahead.
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin launched the Capital Development Plan last Friday in the company of daa Group CEO, Kenny Jacobs; Cork Airport Managing Director, Niall MacCarthy; members of the daa Board; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle; Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll; chief executives of Cork City and Cork County councils; Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD, local Oireachtas members and political representatives; members of the wider Cork business community; airport stakeholders and other invited guests.
Significant investment will be made in passenger facilities, including a new mezzanine floor in the terminal; new security screening area; new and larger duty-free shop; enhanced executive lounge facilities; installation of new airbridges; long-term car park extension; new boarding gates; airside equipment enhancements (including green energy airside ground power units) and a 1.7 Mw solar farm over the existing Holiday Blue car park.
The ambitious programme will conclude with the demolition and replacement of the old terminal and old control tower with a new pier and additional aircraft parking stands to significantly increase overall airside capacity.
The investment of €200 million by daa into Cork Airport will future-proof the airport’s infrastructure for growth and expansion and placing the key transport facility on a strong growth trajectory for the next decade and beyond.
The airport plays a vital role in South of Ireland, contributing over €1 billion to the economy and supporting over 12,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
This summer, passengers will be able to see the first ‘shovel-ready’ elements of the plan commencing as work will start on the construction of the new mezzanine floor, to extend over the existing Arrivals area and the delivery of a new oversized baggage security facility. Other elements of the plan, including the construction of a new 1.7 Mw solar farm are already in the statutory planning process and are planned to commence upon conclusion of that process later this year.
“Cork Airport has become a critical component of our national transport infrastructure and as Ireland’s fastest growing airport, its continued development is paramount. I have no doubt that the benefits of this plan will only bring further growth to what is already a thriving airport,” said An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Representing daa Group, of which Cork Airport is a key business unit, daa CEO, Kenny Jacobs remarked: “With Project Ireland 2040, we’re expecting a big population boost in the southern region. Cork’s ambition of becoming a major European city of size and scale is a key part of this plan. daa’s €200m Capital Development Plan is set to keep Cork Airport serving the South of Ireland, both economically and socially, making it a crucial part of the region’s infrastructure”.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport added: “Cork Airport has a USP of friendly, easy, no-stress travel with short walking distances from car parks to gate. This is a magic formula for passenger satisfaction and for that reason, and as we continue to grow, we are planning pro-actively now for the next six to ten years. What we have announced is a significant capital infrastructure plan not just for Cork Airport but for the entire South of Ireland region and our team will be proud to lead its delivery”.
