Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he sees in the future for the regional airports with particular reference to the need to encourage and facilitate economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37371/14]
View answerAs reflected in the Draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland, currently being finalised in my Department, the importance of regional airports today lies with the level of international connectivity that they bring to a region for tourism and business. It is accepted that they should be given the opportunity beyond 2014 to grow to a viable, self-sustaining position, particularly considering the contribution that they make to their regional and local economy. As a result, Exchequer supports for the four regional airports, where appropriate and in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines, will continue beyond 2014. This decision will facilitate the airports in developing and implementing new business plans leading to self-sufficiency within a ten-year period. Central to these will be the need for regional and local business investment.
A framework (Regional Airports Programme 2015 – 2019) has also been prepared by my Department and is currently with the EU Commission for approval. That framework should provide a level of certainty around support over a multi-annual period, where regional airports can provide a business plan leading to stand-alone commercial viability. It is envisaged that future funding post 2014 will ultimately be provided from a mix of local authority, local business and exchequer sources.
