Hoteliers Call For A Debt-Free Cork Airport

On Monday, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) called on Noel Dempsey, the Minister for Transport, to ensure that Cork Airport Authority (CAA) remains debt-free and commercially independent after its final split from the Dublin Airport Authority.

The Federation stressed that the issue must now be resolved as a matter of urgency so that the CAA can focus its efforts on implementing a strategic business plan to grow operations and attract greater passenger numbers to Cork Airport.

Annette Devine, President, IHF, states: "We need clarity by the Government on its position in light of the recent appointment of Peter Cassells to advise the Minister.

However, it seems clear that the Government does not intend to honour the 2003 pledge by former transport minister Seamus Brennan that Cork Airport would start out debt-free following the break-up of Aer Rianta.

"Indeed, current proposals would seem to contradict the basis on which the Government established the CAA in the first place."