Funding pledged for Cork Airport
Management at Cork Airport described a Government funding package for the aviation sector as very welcome and appreciated.
The Government announced on Tuesday that it will provide funding for operational and capital assistance for Cork Airport and a new national airport charges rebate scheme covering January-March 2021.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, said: “Cork Airport is ordinarily the second busiest and best-connected airport in the State. However, the aviation sector has been extremely hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and our business is now less than one-twentieth of what it was last year.
“On that basis, we have a long journey to travel here at Cork Airport as we seek to regrow our network and become an engine of growth for the south of Ireland economy once again.”
Mr McCarthy continued: “In that context, we strongly welcome today’s announcement of operational and capital assistance for Cork Airport and a new national airport charges rebate scheme covering the first three months of next year.
“This week has seen some green shoots internationally, including the adoption of the new EU traffic light system which is the first step in what we hope will be a move towards a widescale safe resumption of air travel within Europe. We are grateful for this support from Government as we start on that process.”
Meanwhile Cork Senator and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Jerry Buttimer, said: “The decision by Government allows for Cork Airport to plan for the future. I still believe that the task force for aviation recovery should be reconvened to assist in the future direction of the aviation sector.”
Padraig O'Sullivan TD for Cork North Central said: “I have long campaigned for additional supports for Cork Airport. This airport is of great importance to communities and the business sector across Cork.
“The further operational and capital funding supports of €22m for Cork and Shannon Airport, which is in addition to the €10m in capital funding announced in Budget 2021. is to be welcomed,” the Fianna Fáil TD added.