Reaction to the Ryanair announcement was negative from both local politicians and business leaders. Carrigaline-based TD Simon Coveney described the announcement as "really bad news for Cork". Deputy Coveney repeated that in his belief only a debt-free, autonomous Cork Airport as promised by the government would be able to compete aggressively for business. He added that Cork needed more option destinations, not less. He concluded that the continuing uncertainty surrounding the airport's debt and the failure to appoint a new chair to the board left Cork Airport in a "stagnating" condition.

Conor Healy of the Cork Chamber described the announcement as, "Very disappointing, just 12 months into these two routes to see them withdrawn," he added, "We obviously want to see Ryanair operating more routes from Cork, not less. It is vital that the airport now continues to engage with Ryanair to try to come to an agreement".

Fianna Fáil TD Michael McGrath said, "The loss of any route is disappointing thought he facts seem to be disputed by both sides in this case. We don't want to see Cork Airport over a barrel to Ryan air like Shannon but that said it is obviously very disappointing to lose any routes. It underlines the fact that Cork Airport needs to be made independent as soon as possible and I will be lobbying my colleagues in cabinet on this when the Dáil resumes in September".

Labour TD Ciarán Lynch said, "This announcement has come completely out of the blue, and comes as a massive shock to people in Cork, who not unreasonably were anticipating that the massive redevelopment of the airport would lead to further growth, rather than a reduction in services". Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Bernard Allen said, "Here is an ideal opportunity for the Government to make amends for selling out Cork Airport and lumbering it with huge debts. Clearly the airport is in trouble as a direct result of Government policy".

While Deirdre Clune added, "The Government's commitment to Cork Airport is now seriously in question. The commitment to allow Cork Airport to develop, as a debt-free independent airport seems now to be nothing more than a hollow promise. A debt has been forced upon the Airport and independence seems as far away as ever."

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