Cathal Crowe
Question:85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way he plans to restore routes and air connectivity to Shannon Airport. [32120/21]
View answerThursday, 17 June 2021
Questions (85)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
I am fully aware of the pronounced impacts of COVID-19 on Shannon Airport, like all airports in Ireland and around the world. In recognition of these impacts Government put in place a range of horizontal economy wide supports which Shannon Group is availing of as appropriate. These include both wage supports and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which have recently been extended by Government.
In addition, on 10 November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government announced an €80 million funding package for Irish aviation in 2021. Shannon Airport will receive support under both the €32.1m Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 and the €26m Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes. These schemes include compensation for State Airports including Shannon Airport and will provide State airports with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. My Department is currently assessing applications for this funding under this Scheme and would hope to be in a position to disburse this compensation in the coming weeks. In order to ensure parity of treatment, funding will be allocated to airports proportionate to the damage caused. In this regard, funding will be allocated proportionately in line with 2019 passenger numbers at the airports.
On 19th April 2021, the allocation of over €11 million in Exchequer funding was announced under the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme, of which €6.3m was allocated to Shannon Airport. These aviation specific supports follow the Government's approval of €6.1m to Shannon Airport in 2020 to ensure completion of the Airport's Hold Baggage Screening project.
Prior to the pandemic, Shannon Group was delivering on its commercial mandate, improving profitability and recording strong growth in its commercial property company. Shannon Group must be afforded the opportunity to return to that pre-COVID-19 value proposition and through the various supports referenced above, I believe Shannon Airport will be positioned for recovery.
I can advise the Deputy that Ryanair resumed scheduled air services in Shannon Airport on 1 June. Regarding the restoration of other routes and the introduction of new air services, these are commercial matters between airlines and airports, including Shannon Airport.