Works to begin on €200m Cork Airport plan

Works are to commence this month as part of DAA’s €200m capital investment in Cork Airport.

Construction of a new mezzanine floor is the first phase of the plan, and it will extend over the existing arrivals concourse and will feature a larger passenger security area, equipped with the latest C3 EDS technology.

This will allow passengers to keep liquids, gels, pastes, and large electronic items in their cabin baggage. A dedicated fast-track lane will also be added.

The refurbished arrivals area will include a new cafe/bar and upgraded car hire facilities. The mezzanine will also accommodate a new executive lounge, with 30% more capacity and an expanded Cork Airport duty free shop.

Cork-based construction company PJ Hegarty has been awarded the contract for construction.

DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs said he is confident the Cork Airport project will be delivered to the highest standard: “At DAA, we’re proud to operate both Cork and Dublin airports, delivering excellent customer service and world-class infrastructure that supports Ireland’s growth.”

Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport, added: “We are delighted to be working with PJ Hegarty, a respected Irish construction company, on this important first step in our terminal development.

“Airports are long-term national assets, and it’s vital that we plan and invest in infrastructure for future decades.

“This project will support jobs, tourism, and the wider economy in the south of Ireland. As with our runway reconstruction in 2021, we will deliver this on time and within budget, while keeping disruption to a minimum.”

Maurice Killeen, southern region operations director at PJ Hegarty, said the company is delighted to have been awarded this contract by DAA.

He said: “2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of our founding in Cork. It is very appropriate that we continue to form new partnerships in the region with a client as progressive and ambitious as Cork Airport in our centenary year.”

Further project phases are due to be announced over the next eight weeks, as Cork Airport mobilises its capital programme following the announcement of the plan back in May by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Aspects of the €200m DAA investment include: A new and larger duty-free shop; enhanced executive lounge facilities; installation of new airbridges; long-term car park extension; new boarding gates; new pier and aircraft parking stands; airside equipment enhancements; a new staff and goods security screening area; a new oversized baggage screening unit; and a 1.7Mw solar farm over the existing Holiday Blue car park.