Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2022
80. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Government refused to financially support the City of Derry Airport for over ten years, even though 40% of the passengers that use the airport are from County Donegal; and if he is aware of the serious additional financial strain placed on the rate payers of Derry city and Strabane District Council due to this ongoing refusal. [55768/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Regional Airports Programme provides Exchequer support to airports that deliver international connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million annual passengers. The primary aim of the Programme is to target funding, which is limited, at Ireland’s smallest airports so that they can maintain compliance in the areas of safety and security in line with EU rules on State aid. Eligible airports facilitate connectivity to the regions, including the North-West via Donegal Airport.
While it is acknowledged that City of Derry Airport (CODA) also has a role in helping to facilitate connectivity to the North-West region, extending the scope and cost of the RAP to include CODA has not been an option in the context of securing efficiencies and reducing demands on the Exchequer. Other Irish airports have also sought inclusion under the RAP but there has been limited capacity for widening the field of supports.
Whilst not eligible for funding from the Irish Exchequer, it is acknowledged that CODA, which is owned by Derry City & Strabane District Council, is in receipt of funding from that Council and has received funding from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for Transport (UK), including most recently a €3 million grant to CODA announced by the Northern Ireland Executive in March.
I can advise the Deputy that I met with a delegation including management of the airport on 8th November and informed them of this position.
