Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the level of intervention he will take in respect of State airports in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and his plans to introduce another round of financial assistance to State airports in 2021 and 2022. [5900/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses in response to the Covid crisis. Many of these supports, including the commercial rates waiver and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, have been extended into 2021. The State airports – Dublin, Cork and Shannon – continue to avail of these supports.
In addition, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances being faced by airports and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, the Government announced a €80m funding package specifically for Irish aviation in November 2020, which includes funding for State airports in 2021.
As part of that package, €32.1 million has been allocated to a new funding programme for the State airports of Cork and Shannon. Applications for capital grants under this programme have been received from both airports and are currently being reviewed by my Department.
My Department has also sought approval from the European Commission for additional schemes to help compensate airports for the damage caused by COVID. Once approved, all airports that deliver connectivity - Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and Donegal - will be invited to apply for supports under these schemes from a budget of €26 million.
I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments. The need for any potential additional intervention will be kept under review in this context.
