Vol. 462 No. 8
263 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the level of financial assistance given in the past 12 months or planned for Farranfore Airport, County Kerry in the next year; his views on newspaper reports on landing charges being waived for new business at adjoining State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5514/96]
The regional airport companies received grant assistance from my Department in December 1995 in respect of marketing expenditure incurred by the companies in that year. Kerry airport received £120,000 on that occasion.
Kerry Airport also benefited in 1995 from Exchequer subsidised additional flights by Aer Lingus (Kerry-Dublin route) under the essential air services programme.
I am aware of newspaper reports suggesting that the landing charges at Shannon and Cork airports may be having a detrimental effect on Kerry airport and I am having that matter examined by my Department.
