Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has called for a renewed focus on Cork airport,

“An expanding airport in Cork with links to important cities such as Brussels is critical for the future. Servicing holiday destinations is all well and good but we need to grow and maintain links to important business hubs in Europe.

“A successful regional airport is one based on having viable and efficient ways for Corks business community to connect with their investors, vendors and customers. The Brussels route is an important link into the administrative heart of Europe and its suspension for the winter is of grave concern to me.

“I am meeting with Cork Airport management on Friday to discuss the future plans for development at Cork airport. I have been in regular contact with the Minister for Transport on the issue. We are due to discuss Cork airport again this week.

“It is essential that the community in Cork get behind the development of the airport. We need continued cooperation between the local authorities, tourism bodies, politics and the people of Cork to ensure that we develop a top class viable airport in Cork.

“The airport needs a new focus on building relationships with airlines and to closely examine passenger demand to identify popular routes.