Mr. Joe Gilmore:

I would like to clarify one issue. This is not a Knock airport versus Shannon Airport issue. We are not knocking Shannon Airport. In the short term, we are funded until 2014 under the core operational programme and we have a commitment from the Government to that effect. However, after that, the Department has advised us that there will be limited, and possibly no, funding for regional airports. Depending on the economy and so forth, we will potentially be in a treacherous position. We are carrying €10 million of debt on our balance sheet as a result of infrastructure projects undertaken with the Government over the past number of years. We are facing stormy waters.

Deputy O'Mahony asked about subsidies. We have received a total of €1 million in operational support funding in 2011 and 2012 to cover our operational losses. He asked how our numbers compare to Shannon Airport. We have been unable to access Shannon Airport numbers. The DAA accounts are consolidated. Separate accounts are not published for each DAA airport. We can only go on statements made in the media or by reputable sources. Our understanding is losses at Shannon Airport are in the region of €7 million to €8 million a year and cumulatively amount to €25 million over the past three years. I would like to highlight another issue in this regard. A statement was made to the media last Monday that Knock Airport had received €44 million in State aid since 1993. That figure is incorrect. We have received €21 million in State aid in total since 1993.