asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will give details of the implications for regional-local airport developments, airport by airport, of the virtual elimination of grants towards the cost of such developments, as specified in the Abridged Book of Estimates 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Airport Development.
26.
The only outstanding Exchequer grant commitments in respect of regional and local airport development relate to the Letterkenny Airport project, County Donegal, Carnmore Airport, Galway and Farranfore Airport, County Kerry. It is expected that the bulk of these commitments will be discharged in 1987 and provision has been included in my Department's Vote for 1987 for this purpose. The 1988 proposed allocation of £10,000 for regional-local airport development is a token provision to cover some small items, including payment of retentions.
In relation to the general question of grant assistance for the development of regional-local airports, I would point out that Exchequer funds of over £13 million have been provided for this purpose since 1980. Given the extremely difficult budgetary position faced by the Exchequer I am sure Deputies will agree that this level of financial assistance has been generous.
Furthermore, the establishment of additional regional airports or the financing of improvement works at existing ones is essentially a matter in the first instance for local initiative subject to compliance with the technical aviation requirement of my Department and planning legislation. In the present financial circumstances I could not agree to provide or to commit any further Exchequer funds for the development of regional-local airports.
Might I——
I cannot permit the Deputy to raise a supplementary on Question No. 26.
I was going to ask about Waterford airport.