Austin Deasy
Question:58 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will licence Waterford Airport for a terminal for flights to and from Dublin. [17958/01]
Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the possibility of a public service obligation or PSO flight between Waterford Airport and Dublin. The EU Commission previously rejected proposals for a PSO route linking Waterford and Dublin on the grounds that the distance involved is relatively short and that the route is adequately served by other transport modes.
Earlier this year, the authorities in Waterford Airport were successful in securing a new air carrier, Euro-Celtic, for the Waterford-Luton route with the commencement of a daily return service in February 2001. This was increased to two daily rotations last month. I understand Waterford Airport also has plans for the future to develop additional services to the UK.
I am aware, and I know that the authorities in Waterford Airport are also conscious of this, that any proposal for a Dublin-Waterford flight service, aside from the EU Commission context, could have potential to impact negatively on the authorities' efforts to develop and sustain UK routes. My Department is assisting those efforts through the provision of a substantial marketing grant to the tune of £200,000 this year. Nevertheless, I would have any application from Waterford Airport for a Waterford-Dublin PSO carefully examined and assessed by my Department.