The chairman of Cork Airport Authority (CAA), Joe Gantly has announced he is to stand down at the end of July.
Mr Gantly, who was appointed chairman of the CAA in 2003, made the announcement at a meeting of the airport's board this morning.
Earlier this month, Gantly's casting vote saw the CAA board accept a €113 million debt on its new terminal building in order to gain independence from the Dublin Airport Authority. CAA was originally promised a debt-free separation from Dublin.
Mr Gantly was Apple Computer's managing director of European operations for six years before taking over at the helm at CAA.
Commenting on Mr Gantly's intention to step down, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said: "On behalf of the Government I wish to thank Mr. Gantly for his commitment and achievements as chairman. Over the period of his appointment he has made an excellent contribution to the development of Cork airport. Since 2003 traffic at the airport has grown from 2 .1m passengers in 2003 to 3.1m passengers in 2007.
"During the same period the airport benefited from a €180m capital investment programme involving a new terminal and other major improvement that will enable the airport to serve as an economic gateway for Cork and its wider catchment area. I wish Joe every success for the future,"
