As the principal international gateway for the South of Ireland, Cork Airport’s services and air-connectivity have played a key role in ensuring the region’s status as the second most visited tourist destination after Dublin and are critical to the economic health and global investment appeal of Ireland’s second city and its surrounding counties. Cork’s air connectivity has been instrumental in attracting inward investment from global market leaders in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ICT, biotechnology, professional services and international financial services. While the South of Ireland is the second largest economic engine in the country, economic recovery in the region is lagging behind the East and the National Aviation Policy needs to play a fundamental role in correcting this imbalance and enabling the region to reach its full potential.

In July the Chamber prepared a submission in consultation with its membership in response to the Department of Transport’s Draft National Aviation Policy. In the submission the Chamber highlighted a number of outstanding policy requirements that require consideration prior to the finalisation of the Aviation Policy. The submission makes a number of strategic recommendations that if implemented will support Cork Airport’s role in driving business and leisure tourism to the region. The Chamber submission and associated recommendations are available here.