Thomas Gould
Question:116. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if a commitment will be given to keep Cork Airport open and to support its success upon the eventual return to international travel. [11163/21]
View answerWednesday, 3 March 2021
Questions (116, 117)
Thomas Gould
Question:117. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the supports in place and those planned for Cork Airport. [11164/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, from early in the Covid crisis, the Government put in place a broad range of unprecedented supports to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on business, including a wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, a commercial rates waiver and deferred tax liabilities. To date, the value of these supports to the Irish aviation industry is estimated to be over €200 million with many extended into 2021. I understand that Cork Airport is availing of these general business 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 an €80 million 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 Cork and Shannon Airports in 2021 under a new Programme for Regional State Airports. Capital funding requests under this Programme are currently being assessed by my Department. These include a significant proposal for a runway reconstruction project at Cork Airport. This project is vital for the future of the airport and management of Cork Airport aim to to complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible this year, using the optimum technical solution, at the lowest cost.
My Department has also developed supplementary support schemes to help address liquidity issues at our airports as a result of Covid-19. These new schemes for which a budget of €26 million has been allocated in 2021, were approved by the European Commission on 24 February.
One of these schemes will help to compensate State airports, including Cork, for damage caused by Covid-19 in 2020. This funding will provide airports with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when circumstances allow. Cork Airport will shortly be invited to apply for funding under this new Scheme.
In light of the above, and the support being provided, I am confident that Cork Airport will be in a position to build on its former success when it is safe for international travel to resume in earnest.