Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will respond to the Chairman's two specific points, one of which was whether I had met representatives of Galway Port. I am planning to meet them in the first half of November and to visit the port and to discuss its project. As the Chairman will be aware, the project is currently the subject of the planning process. Galway Port has submitted its plan for the development of the port. As it is now subject to the planning process and the scrutiny involved, I will not say anything further about the project because I have to respect what is currently under way.

In respect of the Chairman's further question regarding the classification of ports, I am aware of the views expressed by different ports. Much of the classification that is being used arises from a classification that has been developed by the European Commission which, in turn, relates to our ability to access funding. The criteria are being developed consistently across the European Union. In order for us to have the best opportunity to access the funding that is needed, the criteria must reflect that classification. I look forward to discussing with all ports how we will roll out, develop and deploy our national port policy. I am fully committed to the policy as it stands. I believe it is the right policy for a country of our size and that it offers the best chance for different ports to develop, given their importance in allowing goods and people to enter and leave our country.

I acknowledge the Chairman's comments on aviation policy and regional airports. I have made a decision to continue a new four year plan to support airports across the country.

The Chairman has already mentioned the different levels and layers of funding that our airports can access consisting of funding for capital and operational expenditure together with the funding for the PSO obligation that is made avail for different services.

Our proposals for our regional airports, which is part of the four year plan, is currently in with the European Commission. We are awaiting a decision to sanction it and when that decision has been made I will look at the level of support that I can make available and how that can be delivered to different airports. I fully understand the role of regional airports in terms of basic connectivity for some parts of the country and for the role they play in allowing tourism and business travel to take place.