Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
28. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on discussions with the management of Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22679/13]
View answer41. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the work being carried out to maximise the potential growth of Ireland West Airport Knock and to secure its future as a key piece of infrastructure in the north west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/13]
View answer64. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding and supports provided by his Department in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013 for Ireland West Airport Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22677/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 41 and 64 together.
These questions deal with Ireland West Airport Knock and I would like to thank the Deputies for raising this subject and for affording me the opportunity to update the House on developments. As Deputies will be aware, the Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) Study Group was established following a meeting of the Airport Board with the Taoiseach, myself, Minister of State Ring and local representatives on 28 January this year to examine how best the future of the airport can be secured and to explore realistic options for growth. The Group was established, under the Chairmanship of Deputy John O'Mahony, whom I would like to thank for agreeing to take on that role.
Membership of the Group is comprised of representatives of the Airport Board and management, Mayo County Council, regional Business and Tourism sectors and of the Departments of Transport, Tourism & Sport; Finance, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. The Group, while taking account of available funding and State Aid and Competition rules, is examining how the airport can survive and be further developed having regard to the implications for other regional airports. Two meetings of the Group have taken place on 12 April and 3 May in Knock and Dublin respectively. Good progress was made at these first two meetings but it is recognised that a substantial body of work needs to be carried out before the Group can complete its report.
A Request for Tender for a consultancy study on some elements of the Group’s work, which will be funded jointly by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mayo County Council and the airport, was published on the etenders website www.etenders.gov.ie on 8 May. A specific work programme and timetable for completion of the other aspects of the Group’s work has been established and I am expecting a final report in the Autumn.
As regards the level of funding provided to IWAK in recent years, under the Regional Airports Programme, €431,907 in operational (Opex) subvention was provided to IWAK in 2011 and €589,644 in 2012. Applications from regional airports for Opex funding for 2013 will be invited later this year. Funding for capital works at IWAK under the Capex grant scheme amounted to €233,282 in 2011 and €699,007 in 2012. Capex funding of €2,039,927, including an additional €650,000 announced last week, has been approved for drawdown at IWAK in 2013, while a further €1,710,993 has been approved for drawdown by IWAK in 2014.
In addition, Tourism Ireland is investing in cooperative marketing campaigns to drive inbound tourism on IWAK routes, with expenditure of over €500,000 in 2011 supporting campaigns worth €1m, expenditure of €1,150,000 supporting campaigns worth €1.85m and spend so far this year of €420,000 to support campaigns worth over €800,000. Opportunities for further campaigns continue to be explored with carriers.
Both the Taoiseach and I have also encouraged the exploration of possibilities of cooperation between airports. In that regard I am aware that the Chairman of Shannon Airport Authority, Rose Hynes has initiated discussions with both IWAK and Kerry Airport on how existing co-operation can be further strengthened.
