Govt accused of jeopardising future of Cork Airport
A Fianna Fáil backbencher has accused the Government of jeopardising the future of Cork Airport by failing to resolve an impasse over the airport's debts.
Local TD Billy Kelleher said the Government promised when it broke up Aer Rianta that Dublin Airport would absorb all debts held by Cork and Shannon, including the cost of the new €160m terminal at Cork that is due to open this May.
However, the Department of Transport has suggested recently that Cork Airport may have to pay half the cost of the terminal, with the Dublin Airport Authority paying the other half.
Ryanair has now threatened to withdraw from Cork if the cost of the terminal is recouped through increased landing charges.
Mr Kelleher has responded to the threat by demanding that the Government honour its original commitment and make Dublin Airport pay the full cost of the new Cork terminal.
