Monday, 3rd March 2008

Hoteliers Call for Cork Airport to be Debt-Free
Government must honour its commitment

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today called on the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, TD, to ensure that Cork Airport Authority (CAA) remains debt-free and commercially independent following 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.”

Cork Airport is a major gateway for the South West of Ireland and, as such, it is vital that the Government live up to its commitment to ensure Cork is not burdened by the €200 million cost of its new terminal building. The IHF is calling on the Government now to absorb this expense into the Exchequer as part of a commitment to ensure adequate funding of infrastructural development throughout the region.

Ms Devine states, “Historically, Dublin has received the lion’s share of Government investment and the benefits of Ireland’s economic success. Our regions have so much to offer visitors, so it’s hugely important that the CAA is not encumbered with this debt and that it is provided with every means possible to expand and prosper as envisaged by the Government when it commenced the break-up of Aer Rianta.”

“The Federation has every confidence in the board of CAA; however, if strong and visionary leadership is to flourish, it should not be burdened by an unreasonable inherited debt. A solution that is equitable and reflects the issues facing Cork Airport as a regional gateway to the South East must now be brought forward by the current Minister for Transport without delay.” added Ms Devine.

The IHF represents over 1,000 hotels and guesthouses throughout the country. Its members employ 60,000 staff.

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy / Eoin Quinn              Mobile: 086 8175066 / 087 2332191