Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
335. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport if he has concluded his consideration of the Derry City Airport’s economic assessment and supporting materials for a Dublin/Derry air route submitted to his Department in December 2022; the progress he has made in delivering on the air connectivity review commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement since taking up office in 2020. [18024/23]
View answerIn the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, the Government agreed ‘to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority’ as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach.
My Department is progressing a desk-based review, which we are considering in consultation with Government colleagues.
Engagement between my Department and City of Derry Airport (CODA) is also ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, in a post COVID-19 environment, CODA was requested to provide material to demonstrate the current level of passenger demand for a Derry/Dublin route.
My Department is currently reviewing the material provided by CODA during December, as well as additional detail provided by the airport last month.
