I understand Deputy Feighan wishes to raise an issue about Knock airport.
Business of Joint Committee.
Yes. I gave the Vice Chairman some correspondence on the matter. There are two issues regarding Knock airport, one of which is the 2009 core airport management operational expenditure subvention scheme. During the past three years Ireland West Airport Knock has received no funding under the scheme while two airports, Galway and Waterford, have received funding. In 2006, Galway received €677,000 and Waterford received €687,000. In 2008, Galway received €1.2 million and Waterford received €1.54 million. During that time Ireland West Airport Knock has received no funding.
Knock airport is a major attraction in the west and provides much employment. It is one of the regional airports and has probably the best management team in the British Isles. Unfortunately Knock airport needs this funding because its loss-making is equal to the amount being requested, given the dramatic decline in passenger numbers on most routes around the world. The airport has made huge strides in recent years to earn additional commercial income apart from handling aircraft but has not received any Government subvention.
The airport has achieved huge reductions in costs since 2008. Overall the number of employees has been reduced from 185 to 133. It has 86 full-time equivalent staff and it is regrettable that it has had a number of redundancies. The airport has made a massive contribution to the economy. From an employment point of view it supports 192 jobs, contributes €1.85 million to GDP and generates €1.6 million in income tax and PRSI. It attracted 190,000 tourists and stimulated tourism spend in the region totalling €57 million in that year. I know first hand how important the airpost is.
I ask that a sustained effort be made to ensure the airport is fairly treated. At present it is unfairly treated. It receives a comparatively modest level of support that is requested. I ask the joint committee to support this submission.
The clerk will send Deputy Feighan's submission and his proposal to the Minister for Transport.
I thank the Vice Chairman.
I concur with everything the Deputy had to say and I hope Knock airport gets its fair share because it deserves it.
The joint committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m. until 3.45 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 July 2009.