Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our witnesses from the regional airports for joining us today, especially Mr. Joe Gilmore, CEO of Ireland West Airport Knock. I also thank the Chairman for the invitation he extended to the regional airports. They are central to balanced regional development and should be a core element of Government policy in the aviation sector. As a Deputy representing the people of the Mayo constituency, I know that Ireland West Airport Knock is a place of which we are very proud. It is different from many other airports. It has seven local authority stakeholders and operates in trust for the people of Connacht as an independent operator. People in the west hold Knock Airport in the highest regard. It is seen as the beating heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. I congratulate the board of the airport on its continued work. We have seen record passenger numbers over recent years, including well over 800,000 last year. I hope we will hit the 1 million passenger mark in the future.

Recent months have shown how important it is to rebuild lost air connectivity. Knock Airport is in the same situation as the other regional airports. It will be vital in rebuilding our economy post Covid. It is important that the recommendations of the aviation task force recognise the importance of our regional airports in delivering balanced regional development. Ireland West Airport Knock has a significant economic impact on the north-west region. Ernst & Young produced a report in 2019 which suggested that tourism spending by passengers of the airport equated to €217 million while the airport supports more than 3,000 jobs. It is, therefore, crucially important.

While we have seen yesterday's announcement of €6 million in funding towards the airports' operational costs and the additional airport charge rebate scheme, it is crucially important that the Minister clarify why this process requires the approval of the European Commission. At this time, the Department and the State should be writing cheques to support our regional airports. We see that €32 million was allocated to the State-owned airports without any EU approval. The Department needs to put a derogation in place to provide funding during the period of Covid restrictions. If there is a possible state aid issue, let us address it through the normal channels at a later date, but we need to ensure this funding trickles down to the regional airports, the coalface at which it is needed, and we need to avoid any potential roadblocks that may present themselves.

I have three questions for the CEO of Ireland West Airport Knock on the airport's strategic marketing plan in the short to medium term. I know UK and EU routes are very important. On the strategic development zone, SDZ, for Knock Airport, what efforts are being made to avail of the tax benefits of being so designated?