Ministers rubber stamp Cork Airport’s solar carport which could generate 20% of power needs

Cork Airport has announced plans to deliver what is expected to be Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport, as part of its wider sustainability and infrastructure strategy.

image: Cork Airport - Minister of State Jerry Buttimer; Brian Warren, Greenvolt Next; Minister Darragh O'Brien & Seamus McGrath TD - Front row: Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport and John Carty, Greenvolt Next

The project, being developed in partnership with Greenvolt Next, will see a large photovoltaic canopy installed over the airport’s Holiday Blue car park. In addition to providing covered parking for passengers, the structure will generate renewable energy on-site, with capacity projected to meet up to 20% of the airport’s electricity demand.

The installation will have a capacity of approximately 1.7MW and is expected to include nearly 3,700 solar panels. Once fully operational, it is forecast to generate around 1.5GWh of electricity annually, contributing to both emissions reduction and operational cost savings.

Construction is planned in two phases, with work due to begin in summer 2026 and completion targeted for late summer 2027. The project has received government support through Ireland’s Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, reflecting a broader policy focus on decarbonising airport operations.

Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said, “The project was supported with over €2m in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change. This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, added, “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46m passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices.”

Niall MacCarthy Managing Director, Cork Airport, said, “We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland’s largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets, and we are proud to confirm that.”

Owen Power, CEO, Greenvolt Next Ireland, added, “Our aim is to make renewable energy easy, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. It will also deliver tangible benefits from both a financial and environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector.”