Cork Airport, Ireland’s second busiest international airport, is introducing a new road traffic management system to facilitate growing passenger numbers.

The measures include investment in an upgrade of the forecourt, improved access to car parks, improved signage, a new two-way road system to the Red Express car park and enhanced public transport lanes, all designed to improve road traffic at the airport.

Construction will commence immediately following the recent granting of planning permission with the new system to be fully operational from March next year.

Con Dooney, General Manager Operations and Safety at Cork Airport, stated: “Over 2.4 million passengers will pass through Cork Airport this year, our third consecutive year of growth, and this will rise again next year by a further 7% to 2.6 million. To cater for this significant increase, we need to make improvements to our roads infrastructure.

“Our customers’ airport experience is of the utmost importance to us. The road traffic management system will make the overall airport experience smoother, quicker and safer for all passengers, whether they are using public transport, private cars or hire vehicles.”

The project includes upgrades to the forecourt, and the introduction of a new two-way system to the Express Red long-term car park, reducing traffic volumes on the main road towards the terminal. It also includes road signage improvements for better traffic-flow and enhanced public transport lanes for taxis and buses. The 226/226A provides a frequent bus service from Cork Airport to the city centre, Parnell Place Bus Station and Kent Railway Station.

In line with international best practice, Cork Airport is also changing the layout of its forecourt and set down area. The outer right-hand lane on the forecourt will continue to be used by private vehicles, for set-down and drop-off only. A new barrier system with automatic number plate recognition is being put in place and access will be free-of-charge for up to 15 minutes to allow for normal drop off and collection. For drivers who wish to stay beyond the 15 minute grace period, charges will apply.

Those dropping-off or collecting passengers who wish to stay longer are advised to use the short-term Multi-Storey car park, which is also free for the first 15 minutes.

The project’s main contractor is HBS Construction Ltd with a number of local based subcontractors working on site.

Pictured left to right: Chris O'Donnell, HBS Construction; Kevin Callaghan, Horgan Lynch Consulting Engineers; Paudie Cronin, HBS Construction Ltd; Brian Culloty, Engineer Cork Airport and Adrian Kevane, Duty Manager, Cork Airport.