Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
94. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the impact of recent aviation decisions on regional connectivity; the measures in place to safeguard connectivity especially at regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32454/21]
View answerThe sudden announcement by Stobart Air last weekend had an immediate impact on regional connectivity, in particular on PSO flights between Dublin and the airports of Donegal and Kerry. In that regard, my priority is to restore this connectivity as soon as possible through an emergency procurement process with a view to services being operational again by mid July.
This restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government. The funding which has been made available to Airports is a clear indication of this. In addition to the economy-wide measures made available to all businesses, Government is also implementing an €80m funding package specifically for Irish aviation. In addition to €21.3m in funding to support connectivity to the airports of Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West under the Regional Airports Programme, €32.1m in funding has also been made available to Cork and Shannon airports under a Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021.
Furthermore, on 24 February, the Commission approved State aid support schemes to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. The airports that will benefit from potential supports are Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal. Collectively, these new Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes have a budget of €26m.
These schemes include compensation for State airports (Dublin, Cork and Shannon) of approximately €20m, in light of Covid impacts in 2020. This funding 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.
In addition, up to €6m will also be available to regional airports that provide connectivity (Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal) under the EU Temporary Framework in recognition of the impact of COVID on their business.
Applications for funding under these schemes are also currently being assessed and it is hoped that aid will be granted in the coming weeks.
The Government announcement on 26 May of a roadmap for the gradual reopening of international travel from 19 July will also help to safeguard connectivity at our regional airports.
I am pleased to advise that scheduled commercial air services are now resuming at all our regional airports with scheduled flights now operating out of Cork, Shannon and Kerry and resuming at Ireland West from Friday. I also understand that Donegal airport expects Glasgow flights to resume next month.
