Cork Airport plans Ireland's largest solar carport

Cork Airport plans to build a solar-powered carport with Greenvolt Next in what is being described as the largest project of its kind in Ireland.

The installation will cover the airport's Holiday Blue car park and include 3,696 solar panels and five inverters. It is expected to generate more than 1.5 GWh of electricity a year, equivalent to about 20% of the airport's power needs.

The project is part of a wider €200 million capital investment programme at the airport. It has received grant support from the Department of Transport, with Ministers Darragh O'Brien and Jerry Buttimer attending the contract signing.

Waterford-based Greenvolt Next has been awarded the contract to construct and commission the carport. The structure will provide an overhead canopy for parked vehicles while also generating electricity on site.

The scheme will be delivered in two phases. The first is scheduled to begin in early summer, with the second due to start in October. The full project is expected to go live in August 2027.

The installation is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 355,056kg a year, based on Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland data. It should also reduce annual electricity costs by increasing on-site generation.

The airport has linked the project to its energy reduction targets and broader sustainability plans. It was previously recognised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland as the best-performing commercial semi-state body for energy reduction for two consecutive years.

Alongside the solar carport, the airport is preparing to expand the Holiday Blue car park by 669 long-term spaces. Of those, 32 will be allocated to Persons with Reduced Mobility.

The extension will also include new internal roadways, trolley bays, drainage and attenuation works, and landscaping focused on native Irish plant species. The added capacity is intended to give passengers more parking choice and availability.

The announcement follows a record year for passenger traffic. Cork Airport handled 3.46 million passengers in 2025, its busiest year on record.

The airport was also named Europe's Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International Europe in 2025. The award cited its work on inbound tourism, route development and sustainable business measures.

Government support

State funding for the carport came through the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, which the Government said was established to help regional state airports reduce emissions and improve resilience to climate change.

"The project was supported with over €2 million 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.

Cork Airport was named as the "Best Performing Commercial Semi-State" for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport's sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport's overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport's electricity needs into the future," said Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy.

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said the investment reflects the role regional airports play in local economies.

"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 3.46 million 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," said Buttimer.

Airport strategy

The carport forms part of a larger programme of works at Cork Airport, where management is investing in infrastructure to support future passenger growth. Its capital plan is intended to prepare the site for traffic of more than 5 million passengers a year over time.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, said the project was part of that operational shift.

"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," said MacCarthy.

Greenvolt Next said the contract reflects growing demand from transport and infrastructure operators for on-site renewable generation. The company works across a range of energy technologies in Ireland's commercial and industrial sectors.

"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," said Owen Power, Chief Executive Officer, Greenvolt Next Ireland.