Runway reconstruction has lifted off

Cork Airport has begun the reconstruction of its main runway as part of its €40 million investment to upgrade and enhance critical infrastructure.

This is the biggest investment in Cork Airport since the construction of the new terminal, multi-storey car park, maintenance and other buildings and roads in 2005/06.

The runway’s reconstruction will take place over the next ten weeks, along with the upgrading of the airport's approach, airfield and ground lighting, runway edge and centreline lighting.

The runway’s drainage and ducting systems will also be upgraded as part of the reconstruction.

Colas, with its Irish head office located in Maynooth, was awarded the main runway contract following an extensive EU tender process.

The project to reconstruct the main runway is being supported by Government funding of €10 million from the Department of Transport, announced in November 2020.

The reconstruction of Cork Airport’s main runway is set to be the fastest large-scale construction project undertaken in the State in recent years with the main works to be completed just 12 months after approval of funding.

As part of this capital programme, Cork Airport is also investing in the construction of a new electrical sub-station in early 2022. All of these projects have sustainability and green energy efficiency as a priority.

The airport has already completed an upgrade of its hold baggage security screening system to ensure that checked-in baggage complies with the latest and highest international standards.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said: “All of us at Cork Airport welcome this investment and are fully committed to a strong, growing and vibrant airport into the future.”

Cork Airport will reopen on the morning of 22 November following the completion of the works with management expecting strong growth going into 2022.