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State Airports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1658)

Dara Calleary

Question:

1658. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the terms of reference for the Ireland West Airport Knock study group; the membership of the group and the method of selection of same; the number of meetings held to date of the group; the discussions and or engagements he or any senior official has had with the group since its inception; when a final report is expected from the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37823/13]

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Written answers

The Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) Study Group was established, under the Chairmanship of Deputy John O'Mahony, following a meeting of the Airport Board with the Taoiseach,  Minister of State Ring and I. The Study Group members were nominated and agreed following discussions between the airport and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.   The Group comprises a broad range of parties interested in the development of the Airport - representatives of the Airport Board and management, Mayo  County Council, regional Business and Tourism sectors, the Departments of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Finance, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland.  Under its terms of Reference the Study Group is being asked, inter alia to:

- examine how best the future of the Airport can be secured;

- explore options for the survival and growth of the Airport in terms of increasing passenger numbers, growing the number of flights, and expanding international connectivity

- examine the means by which the Airport can best support industry and tourism in the catchment it serves,

- set out how the airport can be further developed taking account of available funding and competition rules having regard to the implications for other regional airports;

Six meetings of the Study Group have taken place to date and good progress continues to be made. The next  meeting of the Group will be held in October.  It is envisaged that a further meeting of the Group will be necessary in November to complete its work following which a report will be made to the Taoiseach and I. While I have not had any discussions or engagement with the Study Group, my Department is represented on it by a senior official.  

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