Austin Deasy
Ceist:36 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she is satisfied that the upgrading of Waterford Regional Airport is progressing satisfactorily; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10630/02]
Written Answers. - Regional Airports.
Under the airports measure of the national development plan, a sum of €13.97 million, at 1999 prices, was allocated to assist with necessary infrastructural upgrades and improvements at the six regional airports. This amount was apportioned as €10.16 million in respect of the four airports in the BMW region, namely Donegal, Galway, Knock and Sligo, and €3.81million in respect of the two airports in the south and east region, Kerry and Waterford. A further €3.81 million was subsequently allocated to the south and east region, bringing the total allocation for that region to €7.62 million and the overall total under the measure to €17.78 million.
Expenditure to date under this measure amounts to less than €1 million of which Waterford Regional Airport received approximately €55,000 towards the cost of fire and safety equipment. Following a number of queries raised by my Department on their initial proposals, the authorities at Waterford Airport have submitted further information and clarification on their project proposals, which include proposals in relation to hangars, an apron extension, navigational aids and airfield lighting, fire safety and rescue equipment, screening equipment and car-parking improvements.
It is necessary for my Department to undertake a very thorough assessment of the requests for funding from all the regional airports, as the overall amount sought exceeds the total amount available under the NDP. My Department is finalising this assessment and I expect to be in a position to make decisions in this regard in the coming weeks.