Aer Rianta invests despite uncertainty over breakup

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Aer Rianta is pressing ahead with retail investment at its Irish airports, despite the planned breakup of the company

Aer Rianta is pressing ahead with retail investment at its Irish airports, despite the planned breakup of the company. The government is appointing advisors to help it manage the process of creating three separate and independent operating companies for Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports, each of which will remain in state hands. No plans have yet been announced for Aer Rianta International, the group's overseas arm.

Aer Rianta director of retail Frank O'Connell said there were several projects planned, including a complete refurbishment of Pier B at Dublin airport late next year. The move will raise the floor level of the entire area to the same level as The Street, the heart of Dublin airport's airside shopping area, and add some new outlets. O'Connell also said he would like to extend The Street because of the demand from potential new retailers.

Cork airport is also to build a new terminal, with work scheduled for completion in 2005. The new main departures store will contain twice as much space as the existing outlet, at over 800sq m.

O'Connell said: ?We've been involved in the design of the new terminal since the start, and retail has been to the forefront in the design plans.? He said fragrances would be central to the store's offer. Cork airport will handle over 2.2m passengers this year.