Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The aviation programme is a relatively small but vital one with an allocation this year of €27 million, representing only 2% of the Vote, which is an increase of €1 million on 2016. The largest element of the programme is the regional airports programme at €13.3 million. Funding is also earmarked to cover costs associated with our membership of Eurocontrol, costs incurred by the IAA for exempt services and subscriptions to international organisations. The key priority of investment in the aviation programme over the short term to medium term is to support the four regional airports, namely, Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford, for safety and security-related projects and activities under the regional airports programme 2015-2019. This is also a key priority in the programme for Government.

It will also provide €1 million in grant aid to repair the Shannon estuary embankments protecting Shannon Airport, which were damaged in the 2014 winter storms. This is subject to securing state aid approval from the European Commission.