Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sligo Regional Airport.

John Perry

Ceist:

232 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the urgent need for further capital works to maintain the facilities and provide an appropriate level of air services at Sligo Regional Airport; if she will make provisions in terms of capital expenditure on infrastructural work to the sum of £250,000; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that this request has been with her Department for over a year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17705/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

As the Deputy will be aware, Sligo Regional Airport received a grant of £145,000 last year towards the cost of carrying out infrastructural works. It was used for the upgrading of the runway, lighting and navigational aids.

A further application for financial assistance amounting to some £250,000 was received in February 1999 from Sligo Regional Airport in respect of further capital works and infrastructural projects. However, as all the available funds for airport infrastructural assistance had already been committed, no further assistance could be given to Sligo.

Sligo's new proposals, together with those of the other regional airports, will be considered in the context of the National Development Plan which is being finalised at present.