The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, has urged Cork and Dublin airports to accept recommendations made by Peter Cassells to settle their dispute.
The former trade union leader had been asked to mediate between the Cork Airport Authority and the Dublin Airport Authority on their disagreement over how Cork Airport's €220m debt should be split between them, as Cork moves toward autonomy.
The Dublin Airport Authority, which is responsible for Cork Airport, had argued that Cork could pay a debt of €100m.
Mr Cassells said no final agreement between the parties has been reached.
However, in the report given to Minister Dempsey, he set out a number of conclusions as a possible way forward for separation.
In essence, he recommended a funding solution post separation of €20m to €40m for the Cork Airport Authority, in return for the transfer of net assets of €220m, while reducing Dublin Airport Authority's indebtedness by €113m.
Minister Dempsey called the recommendations a 'sensible solution', and has urged both parties to accept the conclusions as soon as possible.
He said the proposals pave the way for Cork Airport to move ahead and achieve autonomy.
