Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The impacts of Covid-19 on the aviation industry continue to be devastating, with knock-on effects for our domestic tourism and regional economies, particularly in the west. This has been further compounded by Ryanair’s most recent decision to cut its winter capacity at Ireland West Airport Knock and to cancel all services for four weeks, from the end of next week until mid-December. Ryanair made this decision on a commercial basis in light of poor forward bookings for the period in question. It also forms part of a wider move by the airline to cut its capacity on flights right across Europe. That does not detract, however, from the impacts that this is having on Knock as well as Cork, Kerry and Shannon airports. However, I assure the Deputy that the continued viability of these airports is very important to this Government. Ireland West Airport Knock will continue to receive ongoing Exchequer support as part of the regional airports programme. This year, the airport has received capital support of more than €1 million and is also eligible to apply for operational supports from an available budget of €3.5 million.

In keeping with this Government’s priorities for regional development, I expect to publish a new regional airports programme for 2021 to 2025 in the coming weeks. This will give funding certainty to Knock airport over a five-year timeframe, helping the airport to remain viable as it transitions through the various phases of recovery from Covid. The Government has confirmed its commitment to the continuation of the programme in budget 2021 by securing more than €21 million for airports such as this. I am also pleased to refer to the additional supports agreed by Government this week as part of the revised €80 million funding package for Irish aviation. As part of this package, in addition to the €21 million secured for next year under the regional airports programme, Government intends to make a further €6 million available to Ireland's smallest airports, including Knock. The funding package will also include a €20 million airport charges rebate scheme for January to March 2021, which will support the retention of core connectivity. I will return to the Deputy's other questions.

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