Vol. 454 No. 7
35 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the future development plans, traffic potential, and viability of Ireland's regional airports; if he will estimate the combined losses of these airports in 1994 or other years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/95]
86 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, he is taking to increase the use of regional airports to boost tourist traffic and facilitate business travel. [11498/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 86 together.
I should explain that regional airports are owned and operated by private undertakings. Therefore, the development plans, traffic potential and viability of these airports are matters for the individual airport companies.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the financial results of the airports in 1994 or other years is confidential to the companies concerned.
In recognition of the importance of the regional airports for the economic and tourism development of the regions in which they are located, a very extensive capital development programme costing almost £21 million was carried out under the Operation Programme on Peripherality 1989-1993.
In view of this development, the emphasis must now be on attracting increased traffic levels into these airports. A significant downturn in traffic was experienced in 1991 as a result of the Gulf War and world economic recession. This downturn continued for a number of years but Deputies will be pleased to note that traffic at the regional airports increased overall by 25 per cent in 1994 compared with 1993 and that the upward trend has continued in 1995.
