Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the extent to which he continues to monitor the developmental requirements at regional airports with a view to eventual provision of an integrated system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDevelopment issues at airports, whether State airports or regional airports, are primarily a matter for the relevant airport authorities.
In the case of the four smaller regional airports of Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford, my Department's Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019 provides financial assistance towards specific developments and costs in the areas of safety and security. As the grant schemes under this Programme operate on an annual basis, my Department maintains regular contact with these four airports in relation to their funding proposals in these two areas.
This approach is recognised by, and is consistent with, the National Aviation Policy which was completed and published by my Department eighteen months ago. That Policy noted the strategic importance of aviation access infrastructure to this country for underpinning and growing our economic activity and that the Irish airport network is well placed to grow its share of global passenger traffic over the coming decade. The Policy also acknowledges the role played by the regional airports in promoting a level of international connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors in their regions.
The Exchequer does not, however, invest in airports for development purposes and the grant schemes under our Regional Airports Programme do not support development projects which are designed to expand capacity. Any proposals in that regard are a commercial matter for airports themselves.
