Expansion of Car Parking at Cork Airport to Alleviate Pressure
Cork Airport has received planning permission to expand its car parking facilities, aiming to address the growing demand on existing spaces that are often operating at full capacity. The airport applied for this expansion in May, seeking to add 669 additional parking spots to the Holiday Blue Long-Term Car Park. This would increase the total number of spaces at that location by nearly one-third, providing much-needed relief to the current infrastructure.
Recent research conducted by Red C highlighted that the private car remains the primary mode of transport for those accessing the airport. This trend is not surprising, given the limited public transport options available. The airport is served by the N27 road and the 226 and 225 bus routes, which offer hourly services. However, these buses only start running from 6am, missing early morning passengers who typically arrive as early as 4:30am. Similarly, services end at midnight, leaving late-night travelers without a convenient option. Additionally, the bus routes do not cover the broader airport catchment area, limiting their effectiveness for some residents.
Currently, Cork Airport has over 4,500 long and short-term parking spaces. This includes 633 short-term spaces in the multi-storey car park and an additional 1,673 in the Express Red car park. Given the high volume of traffic, car parking is considered an essential component of the airport’s transport infrastructure.
During the recent Easter weekend, the car park reached an occupancy rate of 101.8%, with several vehicles parked on the kerbs to avoid turning away passengers. The planning documents emphasized that, due to the lack of alternative transport options, expanding the Holiday Blue Car Park should be a top priority. This move is intended to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.
The planning application received only one submission from the Ballinaspig-Firgrove-Westgate Residents Association, which represents housing estates located off the Curraheen Road in Bishopstown. These residents raised concerns about increased air traffic over the area, citing potential noise pollution and associated health risks. Despite these concerns, Cork City Council approved the expansion of the car parking facility.
Key Points of the Expansion Plan
- Additional Spaces: The expansion will add 669 parking spots to the Holiday Blue Long-Term Car Park.
- Current Capacity: The airport currently has over 4,500 long and short-term parking spaces.
- Public Transport Limitations: Bus services start at 6am and end at midnight, missing early and late arrivals.
- Passenger Demand: During peak times, such as the Easter weekend, the car park was over capacity, with vehicles parked on the kerbs.
- Residents’ Concerns: Local residents voiced worries about noise pollution and increased air traffic.
- Council Approval: Despite the concerns, the expansion was granted planning permission.
This development underscores the need for improved infrastructure to meet the demands of airport users while addressing the limitations of current public transport options. The expansion is expected to provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for passengers while also supporting the ongoing growth of Cork Airport.
