Unpaid Building Bill Threatens Airport Independence

The Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has warned he may reconsider the Government's decision to allow Ireland's main state airports to operate independently.

Reports this morning say Mr Dempsey has appointed the former Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Peter Cassells to mediate in a row between Dublin Airport and Cork Airport over who should pay the €220m bill for the new terminal building at Cork Airport.


The Minister has given the airports a month to settle their differences but if they fail to agree a solution within this time he will review the decision to create an independent airport company for Cork.

After breaking up Aer Rianta, the Government promised that Cork airport would be allowed to begin independent operations debt-free.

Dublin Airport, however, is refusing to pay the cost of the Cork terminal and has said it will not engage with Cork unless it agrees to pay at least €100m of the debt.

The debt has been a major issue since the Cork Airport Authority was established in August 2004.

(VB/JM)