An investment of €200 million by daa in Cork Airport, Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, will help 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 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.
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.
‘STRONG COMMITMENT’
Rob Horgan, Cork Chamber President, warmly welcomed the launch, saying the airport ‘plays as a key enabler of economic growth, regional connectivity and international access’.
“As a gateway to the south of Ireland, the airport is a critical asset for attracting and retaining investment, supporting tourism and enhancing the region’s overall competitiveness on the global stage,” he said.
“Plans for a solar farm, new boarding gates and a major pier extension signal a strong commitment to future-proofing the airport through sustainable and strategic development. These upgrades will not only improve passenger experience and operational capacity, but also supports Cork Airport’s carbon emissions reduction targets. For businesses across Cork and the wider region, this investment reinforces the importance of infrastructure that is ambitious, resilient and fit for a thriving, globally connected economy.”
The capital investment plans were officially launched by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD on Friday, May 2nd.
