Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the main sponsor of this motion, Deputy McNamara. I was happy to co-sign it. There is no doubt but that the timing of this motion and of the Government announcement of an €80 million funding package for the country's airport is not a coincidence. They are linked. At the very least, this motion has accelerated an overdue Government decision on supporting the aviation sector and regional airports.

All in all, €80 million has been allocated. This represents an extra €48 million in spending on top of what was announced in the budget. I welcome this allocation as regional airports, regional connectivity and balanced regional development are inextricably linked. The allocation of moneys to the regional airports is a recognition of their importance but it is absolutely crucial that the funding allocated is adequate to allow these airports to get back up and flying as the travel and tourism business slowly recovers. Some €6 million has been allocated to regional airports and every cent will be needed to cover operational losses. For example, Ireland West Airport Knock has accumulated approximately €4 million in operational losses this year.

It is still somewhat unclear, however, as to how the Government will distribute this funding and under what schemes. The regional airports programme is subject to state aid rules but given the extreme flexibility the EU has shown with regard to these state aid rules in many sectors, including the aviation sector, because of Covid, this should not be a significant issue. I presume the Government has cleared this hurdle.

The airport Covid damages scheme can cover some of the losses incurred while airports are closed but there is still uncertainty around how and through which channels funding will be allocated. We need clarity on this issue. Tthe current regional airports programme will cover approximately €1.3 million of the losses of €4 million at Ireland West Airport Knock, but we need certainty as to how and when other funding will be made available. I believe the Government intends to find a solution. The sooner this is done, the better.

I have examined the proposed amendments and I support Deputy Cullinane's amendment, which proposes that Waterford Airport be included. Balanced regional development means exactly that; it must include all regions. When we speak about all regions, it is important to recognise that the western seaboard has suffered most during the Covid downturn. Given that tourism in one of the main contributors to the economy in my constituency, which comprises Sligo, Leitrim, north Roscommon, south Donegal and the surrounding areas, and that overseas tourism has virtually collapsed, it is crucial that Ireland West Airport Knock, Donegal Airport and Shannon Airport be supported. They are one of the main drivers of regional development.

The Government amendment has many positive aspects. It recognises the great value of the aviation sector and its contribution to tourism and regional development.

There are a number of caveats or get out clauses in the amendment. There are phrases like when "circumstances" or "conditions" allow or "when the time is right to do so". I understand the need for prudent Government investment but I cannot support an amendment with so many possibilities of finding a way out. The motion we propose is straightforward and would protect regional airports and development.

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