Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on his meeting with the chairman of the Cork Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27795/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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At a recent meeting with Mr. Joe Gantly, Chairman of the Cork Airport Authority, I discussed with him the appropriate conditions for airport restructuring under the State Airports Act 2004 . Under the Act, as the Deputy will be aware, both I and the Minister for Finance will have to be satisfied as to the financial and operational readiness of the airport before any assets can transfer to the Cork Airport Authority. Accordingly, the Authority is required to prepare a comprehensive business plan for the Airport and obtain approval for the plan before restructuring can proceed.

DAA has a necessary coordination role in finalising the financial framework and the business plans that would enable airport separation to take place on a basis that ensures the financial sustainability of all three State airports. I would hope that necessary progress can be made on this matter in the immediate period ahead.