Austin Deasy
Question:58 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her Department has a medium and long-term strategy for the operation of regional airports; and if so, the details in this regard. [8808/01]
Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
Regional airports provide an additional means of access for business and tourism to the regions which they serve. My policy, and that of the Government, is to support the efforts of the regional airports to contribute to regional access. As the Deputy is aware, our strategy to give effect to this policy is manifest through a range of support schemes for the regional airports.
Over the past number of years, my Department has enhanced the programme of support for the marketing and promotional efforts of the airports. Over the period 1996-98, the regional airports benefited to the tune of about £600,000 per annum under this scheme, rising to £700,000 in 1999 and to £1.5 million last year. This year, a further sum of £1.5 million is available in financial assistance for the regional airports.
In addition, a sum of £11 million has been allocated under the national development plan to assist with improving essential facilities at the regional airports. In the coming weeks, my Department will be inviting the regional airport authorities to submit their project proposals for support under this scheme.
While not intended as a specific support mechanism for the regional airports themselves, my Department also operates the public service obligation programme which supports air access for business and tourism interests to and from the regions. This programme was significantly expanded in January of this year with the addition of the new PSO routes from Dublin to Derry and Knock. The other four PSO routes linking Dublin with Kerry, Galway, Sligo and Donegal were renewed for a further three-year period with extra flights being provided to Kerry and Galway. Exchequer support for this programme has increased more than three fold to over £10 million per annum.
The national spatial strategy study, which is currently being formulated by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in consultation with all interested parties, will examine the appropriate role for all forms of transport in regional development in the future. That study will no doubt have regard to the future role of regional air access in the context of balanced regional development.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 51.