Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the status of Cork Airport, in view of the recent announcement by Aer Lingus that it is axing several flights between Cork and Gatwick Airport. Given the fact that there are now 50% fewer flights leaving Cork Airport than there were six years ago, I am deeply concerned that the status of the airport is being wound down in such a way that it will eventually not be commercially viable in the future. The loss of the Cork to Swansea ferry was an enormous blow to the region, both in terms of tourism and the commercial life of the Cork and Kerry region and the greater Munster area but went almost unnoticed. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar is responsible on both counts because tourism is being damaged and the status of Cork Airport is being seriously affected. Furthermore, the commercial and business life of the Munster region can only be damaged by the huge diminution of services from the airport. There is now no flight between Cork and Dublin being operated by Aer Aran, Ryanair or Aer Lingus. At one stage there were nine or ten flights each day between the two major cities but all of those flights have evaporated without notice. I am deeply concerned that Cork Airport could close down totally in the next few years. A debate on this very important element of the transport infrastructure on this island is warranted.