Vol. 466 No. 1
30 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the review of regional airports which he ordered by the end of April 1996 has been received by him; if so, the action, if any, he proposes to take regarding policy for the future development of regional airports; if he will make a copy of the report available to opposition spokespersons on transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10855/96]
I have received the review referred to by the Deputy.
The need for the review was prompted by financial difficulties at most of the six privately owned regional airports owing to insufficient traffic levels to ensure their commercial viability.
The review confirmed the perception of the tourism and industrial promotion agencies of the regional airports as an important part of the infrastructure of the regions, increasing the range of access options for potential visitors and serving as an inducement for the attraction and development of industry in the regions. In this way the airports help to spread economic development into the regions.
In the light of the report's recommendations, the Government has decided to introduce a strictly time limited scheme of Exchequer funded grants to assist the six regional airports in marketing their services. These grants will total £2.35 million for the six airports over the four years 1996-1999. The allocations for the individual airports, which were arrived at in the light of their current and projected financial performance and traffic results are as follows:
|
£ |
|
|
Donegal |
300,000 |
|
Galway |
160,000 |
|
Kerry |
1,200,000 |
|
Knock |
250,000 |
|
Sligo |
280,000 |
|
Waterford |
160,000 |
