Minister of State for International and Road Transport Hildegard Naughton made the comments in the Seanad in the past hour following a question from Cork Senator Jerry Buttimer.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has met with management at the airport and says talks aimed at keeping the aviation sector in business are ongoing.
Cork Airport was expected to host over 2.6 million passengers this year, however Covid travel restrictions have seen that figure drop by 95% and €23 million in lost revenues.
Minister of State Hildegard Naughton says the government are exploring measures such as testing to boost passenger numbers:
