Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2008
351 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the amount that has been invested in the City of Derry Airport, by the Irish Government, for each year from 2000 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3613/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no funds invested by my Department in City of Derry Airport in the period 2000 to 2007.
On 22 March 2005, the Government approved a decision in principle to assist a runway safety project at the airport on a 50/50 joint-funding basis with the British Government. The total contribution from the Irish Exchequer was to be €7.55 million (37.5% of total project cost). Payment of grants was to be subject to certain conditions, chiefly EU state aid clearance and the formulation by Derry City Council of acceptable proposals for revised governance arrangements for the airport.
In January 2007, the Government agreed as a final offer to increase the upper limit to €10.87 million to cover increased property and other costs. It is hoped to commence payments in 2008 now that necessary preconditions have been met.
