Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects regional airports to continue to play a major role in providing the required level of connectivity on transatlantic, European, or other routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24044/15]
View answerWith the development in recent years of the major interurban roads programme and improvements to the rail network providing domestic connectivity, regional airports are now being viewed as being important because of the level of international connectivity they bring to a region for the tourism and business sectors. That connectivity, which is primarily European in nature, is seen as being a significant contributory factor underpinning Ireland's economic recovery and sustainable development into the future. In relation to transatlantic routes, the two PSO air services from Donegal and Kerry Airports to Dublin Airport offer a possible link to transatlantic routes from that Airport and I am also aware that a transatlantic charter service will operate into Ireland West Airport Knock this August.
Ireland’s National Aviation Policy, which I expect to publish before the summer recess, confirms that the regional airports at Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford are being given the opportunity to grow to a viable, self-sustaining position, particularly considering the contribution they make to their regional and local economy. As a result, the Policy provides that Exchequer support (OPEX and CAPEX) for the regional airports will be continued, where appropriate. Such supports will be in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines and Ireland's 2015 - 2019 Regional Airports Programme. It is up to those airports being supported to exploit all opportunities to expand their level of connectivity to other regions.
