Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
484. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grant aid being made available to agencies under his remit to assist with necessary infrastructure improvements to help mitigate against effects of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implications of Brexit for Ireland’s transport and tourism agencies will become clearer once the EU-UK negotiations have been completed and the future relationship between the EU and the UK has been settled. As with all other Government Departments and agencies, my Department and its agencies are preparing for the different potential outcomes, including contingency planning for a ‘no-deal’ scenario.
The Government is already taking action in preparing for Brexit. Dedicated Brexit measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for the agrifood sector as well as additional supports for capital investment in the food industry and Bord Bia marketing and promotion activities. €2m in capital funding was specifically secured in Budget 2018 for Tourism Ireland to invest in strengthening its digital infrastructure, deepening its understanding of the all-important overseas consumer and developing new creative content, for roll out from 2019.
In relation to infrastructural requirements, the Government’s recently published Project Ireland 2040 recognises the role and infrastructural plans of ports and airports in supporting continued enhancement of Ireland’s high-quality international connectivity. Key actions planned include a new runway for Dublin Airport, continued development of Cork and Shannon Airports, investment in Ireland West Airport Knock, and for smaller airports under the Regional Airports Programme. There will also be major development of Dublin, Cork, Shannon-Foynes and other ports, as well as investment in transport connectivity to ports.
My Department’s work and planning with key agencies and stakeholders will continue to be kept under review as the negotiations further progress.
