Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2012
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the various Government supports for each of the airports throughout the country will be reviewed collectively with a view to an endeavour to retain a reasonable quality of service throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45530/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin, Cork and Shannon Airports are managed by the Dublin Airport Authority which operates under a clear commercial mandate, is entirely funded from its own internal resources and receives no Government funding supports. Customer service at the State airports is a matter for the Airport Authority.
In line with the recommendations of the Value for Money Review on the Regional Airports Programme published in 2011, funding under the Regional Airports Programme has been consolidated on the four regional airports of Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford since the start of 2012.
Furthermore, the available funding for the Regional Airports Programme over the period 2012 – 2014 has been clarified with funding of €13 million available for capital expenditure and €29 million available for current expenditure over this period. In return for receiving operational subvention under the Regional Airports Programme, regional airports must sign a contract with my Department in which they undertake to provide a safe, clean, and convenient environment for customers and a professional level of customer service. The focus now is on regional airports working towards sustainability over the coming years without an ongoing need for Government financial support.
