IRELAND. The most significant capital investment plans for Cork Airport in nearly a quarter of a century have been revealed.
The plans, officially launched by Ireland Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, will see €200 million invested by owner and operator daa to future-proof the airport’s infrastructure for growth and expansion, enabling it to serve more than 5 million passengers annually.
Ireland’s second-largest airport served 3.4 million passengers last year (a growth of more than +50% in the last decade).
The key aspects of the Cork Airport Capital Development Plan include the construction of a new mezzanine floor with a state-of-the-art passenger security screening area; a new and larger duty-free shop [ARI is the airport’s duty-free retailer]; a new and larger executive lounge; the installation of new airbridges; and the construction of additional boarding gates.
Also among the plans is the demolition of the old terminal and control tower, which will allow a new pier to be constructed with more boarding gates and aircraft parking stands; the extension of existing car parks; and a new solar farm.
The first elements of the plan will be executed this summer. Work will start on the new mezzanine floor to extend over the existing arrivals area and the delivery of a new oversized baggage security facility.
Micheál Martin launched the plans in the company of daa Group CEO Kenny Jacobs and Cork Airport Managing Director Niall MacCarthy, members of the daa Board and other airport stakeholders, plus government officials and representatives from the local business community.
Martin said, “Today is a momentous day for Cork Airport with the launch of an ambitious Capital Development Plan which emphasises the importance of the airport to both the regional and national economy.
“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.”
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 €200 million 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.
“We’re super proud of Cork Airport at daa and we’re all in on this exciting journey to help the airport and the region grow and develop into the future.”
MacCarthy commented, “Cork Airport is Ireland’s second-largest airport and the fastest growing. We have 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. This period will see our passenger levels grow up to and beyond 5 million passengers per annum.
“What we have announced today 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.” ✈
