Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:69. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his future plans for Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15010/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (69)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for her question on Shannon Airport.
As the Deputy is aware Shannon Airport, a subsidiary of Shannon Group, has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and given the unprecedented challenges faced by the Group, I committed to undertaking an examination of the future viability and sustainability of the entire Group.
The outcome of this examination was reflected in a recent Memorandum to Government. In considering the issues being faced by Shannon Group, Government noted the Exchequer supports being availed of by the Company. These supports include the economy wide supports put in place to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on businesses generally (e.g. wage supports, rates alleviation etc.); emergency funding of €6.1m allocated to Shannon Airport to complete a vital Hold Baggage Screening project (a security requirement under EU Regulations) and the establishment of a new Programme for regional State Airports with a funding provison of €32.1m. Capital funding requests from Shannon Airport under this Programme are currently being assessed by my Department.
In addition to these supports, I would like to advise the Deputy that the European Commission recently approved State aid support schemes to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. Shannon Airport and other airports will shortly be invited to apply for funding under these new Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes which have a budget of €26 million. These schemes include compensation for State airports (approx. €20m) in light of Covid impacts in 2020. This funding will provide State airports including Shannon Airport with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when possible.
Government fully appreciates the important role of Shannon Airport to the economy of the mid-west region and nationally. The funding which has been made available to the Airport is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to the Airport being well positioned to weather the current crisis and for recovery and growth into the future once circumstances allow.