Cathal Crowe
Question:91. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to ensure better air connectivity to Ireland’s regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44117/21]
View answerThursday, 16 September 2021
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Government supports for the airports, airlines and companies in the aviation sector have been provided throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it is estimated that the sector will have received over €300 million through a number of the supports available. The bulk of the support is through the wage subsidy scheme which was specifically designed to maintain the link between employers and employees. Liquidity support has also been made available by ISIF to large aviation enterprises.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically for Irish aviation in 2021. As part of this package, €21 million is being provided under the Regional Airports Programme (2021-2025) this year. This gives funding certainty to Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Airports and also supports the PSO services. In addition, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon airports through a new one-year COVID-19 regional State airports programme. A €26 million EU approved state aid scheme is available to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed to limit its spread. The scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and make a recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Officals in my Department are also considering if further targeted supports may be required in 2021.