Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his reply. The difficulty arises when we consider the money invested in the other international airports. Ireland West Airport Knock is Ireland's fourth international airport and has the third longest runway. Therefore, its potential is massive. If the Minister looks at the map I have he will see that, annually, 6 million people go through Northern Ireland airports, in the east and the south 25 million people go through the airports, but in the west only 500,000 go through them. This demonstrates unbalanced regional development.

Knock airport would have great potential if it got some of the money that should have been given to it. If it got the Aer Rianta €3 per passenger, it would have got between €115 and €190 million in the past decade. However, it got €5 million. The Minister should consider the effect over the next three years of the €29 million investment the airport requires. The airport could have Cat. 2 status. Even on the day we celebrated fire engines arriving at Ireland West Airport Knock, aircraft had difficulty arriving because of weather conditions — they cannot land in all weathers. The airport lacks Cat. 2 navigational status which would make a major difference and would allow Ireland West Airport Knock to compete with other airports, which it cannot do at the moment.

The investment would allow an enlarged apron area. Aircraft and airbuses which can land at the airport cannot turn around quickly enough to suit the fast turnaround time their schedules require because of the lack of apron space. The airport also requires essential safety requirements and enlarged terminals. The airport has enormous potential because it serves 13 counties and is close to nine large urban centres or gateways.

I know the Minister cannot give a decision now, but is he well disposed towards allowing balanced regional development to occur? There is a €3.9 billion underspend in the BMW area. The population of the North is almost the same as that of the BMW area, yet 6 million people travel through Northern Ireland airports. People find it difficult to get in and out of Dublin, but €150 million will be spent on another terminal and other facilities there. Will the Minister commit to this investment and does he believe in the Government's commitment to balanced regional development?

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