Dáil debates

Wednesday, 9 October 2019

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Regional Enterprise Plans

10:40 am

Photo of John HalliganJohn Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy may be aware that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, announced yesterday that a marketing support fund of approximately €10 million over three years is to be made available to support the regional airports outside Dublin, including Shannon Airport. In December 2017, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation provided €250,000 in funding under the regional enterprise development fund to support the development of the Emerald aero cluster in the mid-west. I believe this project is progressing well. The NDP further highlights the plans for the Shannon Group in this regard. An investment of €150 million, including €100 million for the development of the property portfolio through the delivery of high-quality advanced manufacturing, warehouse and office space solutions, has been outlined in the capital programme over the period to 2022. This programme will help IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in their drive to attract inward investment and increase employment in the region. As the Deputy will be aware, aviation policy is part of the remit of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. Project Ireland 2040 makes it clear that international air connectivity through our main airports, including Shannon Airport and the smaller regional airports, is a key part of the success of the NDP. In my constituency, €5 million has been made available for the extension of the runway at Waterford Airport. All of this is part of Project Ireland 2040. Shannon Airport is mentioned in the national plan more often than any other airport.

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