Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
673. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Shannon Airport has been excluded from the regional airports programme in view of passenger numbers of 1.7 million per annum; and the public supports, for example, the regional airports capital expenditure, CAPEX, grant scheme, which will be put in place to ensure the modernisation of the facilities at the airport. [37551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Airports Programme provides Exchequer support to Ireland’s smallest airports, namely Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford through a number of schemes in compliance with EU Guidelines on State Aid. Passenger numbers at these airports are less than 1 million per year and the capital supports under the Programme are limited to grant-aiding investments in safety and security enhancements, thus helping these small airports to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.
Shannon Airport Authority (SAA), a subsidiary of Shannon Group plc, has statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Shannon Airport. In line with Government policy, Shannon Airport, which operates under a clear commercial mandate, is entirely funded from its own internal resources. It receives no funding from the Exchequer for its activities.
Supporting Ireland’s smallest airports through the Regional Airports Programme is a very clear policy objective in the National Aviation Policy. The policy does not provide for funding of Shannon Airport, or any of the State owned airports, as part of the Programme.
