I can't quite see the reasoning though. Who will want to take on Shannon with its losses?
And while Cork may be making an operating profit, any private operator will only touch it if the debt is left behind. So, the DAA still gets saddled with the debt, but loses the potential income stream that will help pay for it.
If it is done, I'd prefer that the government retain ownership of the airfield, but just sell the terminal buildings, car parks etc. or even just make them available on a 30-50 year lease.