Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
614. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding can be secured for Knock Airport in view of the fact that it is the most important transport hub in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39231/17]
View answerThe National Aviation Policy recognises that Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) plays a regional role in terms of access than other airports given its location in the North West.
Funding for IWAK is made available under the Regional Airports Programme which provides support towards safety and security related projects/activities at the airport as well as the other three regional airports in Donegal, Kerry and Waterford.
IWAK has received over €22m in funding under the various schemes in the Regional Airports Programme over the last 10 years to end 2016. In relation to 2017, out of a total allocation of €1.9 million for capital projects under the CAPEX scheme, approval has been conveyed to IWAK for capital projects totalling €1.1 million. Work on those projects is under way.
Under this CAPEX Scheme, the generally applicable aid contribution under the EU Guidelines for these types of investment is 75%. I am aware that IWAK believes that it will require up to 90% grant aid in order to implement the larger safety and security related projects. There is provision under the EU Guidelines that, in exceptional cases, a separate submission may be made to the EU Commission for consideration to exceed the 75% aid threshold. Such submissions are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Commission. IWAK is fully aware of these provisions and has prepared a business case on which my Department has already begun engaging with the Commission. It will be up to the Commission to decide whether the 75% threshold can be exceeded in the case of IWAK. This process has only just begun and it is anticipated that it will take some time for the Commission to consider its position in the context of the 2014 EU Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines.
