€200m Development Plan for Cork Airport Officially Launched

The most significant capital investment plans for Cork Airport in nearly a quarter of a century were officially launched by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin today.

The Cork Airport Capital Development Plan outlines an investment of €200 million by daa in Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, future proofing the airport’s infrastructure for growth and expansion and placing the key transport facility on a strong growth trajectory for the next decade and beyond. 

The Cork Airport Development Plan will facilitate the continued growth and expansion of Ireland’s second-largest airport to beyond 5 million passengers per annum in the years ahead. The key aspects of the Capital Development Plan include the construction of a new mezzanine floor with a state-of-the-art passenger security screening area; a new and larger duty-free shop; a new and larger executive lounge; the construction of additional boarding gates; the construction of a new solar farm; the extension of the existing car parks; the demolition of the old terminal and old control tower allowing the construction of a new pier with more boarding gates and aircraft parking stands.

With passenger traffic growth of over 50% in the last decade and offering important direct connectivity to the UK and Europe, and strong European hub connectivity to London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle, Cork Airport continues to grow from strength to strength. The airport plays a vital role in South of Ireland, contributing over €1 billion to the economy and supporting over 12,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. The launch of today’s Capital Development Plan positions the Republic of Ireland’s second largest and fastest-growing airport to grow beyond 5 million passengers per annum and further boost tourism, industry and foreign direct investment throughout the South of Ireland.

This summer, passengers will be able to see the first “shovel-ready” elements of the plan commencing as work will start on the construction of the new mezzanine floor, to extend over the existing Arrivals area and the delivery of a new oversized baggage security facility. Other elements of the plan, including the construction of a new 1.7Mw solar farm are already in the statutory planning process and are planned to commence upon conclusion of that process later this year. 

Speaking as he launched the €200 million Cork Airport Capital Development Plan today, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD said: Speaking as he launched the €200 million Cork Airport Capital Development Plan today, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD said: “Today is a momentous day for Cork Airport with the launch of an ambitious Capital Development Plan which emphasises the importance of the airport to both the regional and national economy. Cork Airport has become a critical component of our national transport infrastructure and as Ireland’s fastest growing airport, its continued development is paramount. I have no doubt that the benefits of this plan will only bring further growth to what is already a thriving airport.”

Daa CEO, Kenny Jacobs said: “With Project Ireland 2040, we’re expecting a big population boost in the southern region. Cork’s ambition of becoming a major European city of size and scale is a key part of this plan. daa’s €200m Capital Development Plan is set to keep Cork Airport serving the South of Ireland, both economically and socially, making it a crucial part of the region’s infrastructure. We’re super proud of Cork Airport at daa and we’re all in on this exciting journey to help the airport and the region grow and develop into the future.”

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport added: “Cork Airport is Ireland’s second largest airport and the fastest growing. We have a USP of friendly, easy, no-stress travel with short walking distances from car parks to gate. This is a magic formula for passenger satisfaction and for that reason, and as we continue to grow, we are planning pro-actively now for the next six to ten years. This period will see our passenger levels grow up to and beyond 5 million passengers per annum. What we have announced today is a significant capital infrastructure plan not just for Cork Airport but for the entire South of Ireland region and our team will be proud to lead its delivery.”