Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
710. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Knock Airport is charging a development tax on its flights which is not advertised on its website or during purchase of flight tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra711. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the exorbitant charges for use of Knock Airport car parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 710 and 711 together.
Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and the other regional airports in the State are independent bodies, privately owned or held in trust. While the State currently makes funding available to them in certain limited circumstances in accordance with relevant EU legislation, they must meet the balance of their operating and capital investment costs from their own resources like any other businesses. Some regional airports, including IWAK, have chosen to cover a portion of their costs by means of an airport development charge, which they ask outbound passengers to pay, for the use of their facilities. Information about this fee is included on the airport's website. The charging of fees, whether they be for development purposes or car parking, is essentially a matter for the commercial judgement of the airport and how it operates in practice is a matter between that airport and its customers.
