Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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734. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had to date to ensure the viability of Cork Airport and to attract new routes to the airport; if he is satisfied with the level of growth being achieved by the airport; his views on establishing a service between Cork Airport and Dublin Airport in view of the need for air connectivity between the country's two largest cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Dublin Airport Authority has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop both Dublin and Cork Airports and as such the promotion of new routes to the airport and the development of a service between Cork and Dublin Airport are matters for the Company.  

Cork Airport management is well aware, as am I, of the importance of developing key access routes and the role the airport plays as the international gateway to the Cork City region and the south of Ireland.  The Airport works continuously with airlines to develop new connections with the rest of Europe and has generous new Route Incentive Schemes and commensurate Marketing Support to share the risks with their airline partners.  I understand that the Airport Authority is engaging with airlines  about the potential re-introduction of a Cork/Dublin service as a feeder for transatlantic services at Dublin Airport and I hope the Authority is successful in this regard.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Cork Airport Development Council has been established to work with airport management to develop initiatives that support sustainable traffic in 2014 and beyond. The establishment of the Cork Airport Development Council is a welcome development and evidence of the strong commitment in the region to the success of the airport.