Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will take three minutes and I would appreciate it if the Minister and Minister of State could provide a written reply. Significant travel restrictions continue to have an impact on our daily lives and it is fair to say the aviation sector remains worst hit by Covid-19. I welcome the publication of the Irish regional airports programme, with €21.3 million being allocated for 2021. The regional airport programme is a vital source of funding support for Ireland West Airport Knock in my constituency and other regional airports. I note the 2021 funding has been welcomed by Ireland West Airport Knock and it will continue to work with the Department to pursue further supports.

It is worth noting that the passenger numbers at the airport had risen to 800,000 during 2019, compared with 143,000 in 2020, representing a substantial collapse in people using the airport. The last time similar passenger numbers were seen at the airport was 1995. The people of the western region will again flock to the airport when the time comes and I am hopeful passenger numbers will bounce back quickly.

I recall the task force for aviation recovery made 12 recommendations, one of which was a stimulus package for the regional airports. It is excellent that progress is being made on this recommendation but it would be useful today if the Minister could outline the progress being made on furthering the remaining recommendations. In recent weeks there have been increasing concerns by those employed by the aviation sector, particularly airline employees, who point to the state supports given directly to the airline sector in other countries, citing various reports on aviation packages. Has engagement taken place, either with the Department of Transport or other Departments and employee representative organisations in the airlines sector? If that has not happened to date, it should be considered as a matter of urgency.

My final point is to raise the inclusion of the climate action initiatives to help the greening of Ireland's airports, which is an important step in the right direction. I certainly hope carbon neutrality can be achieved at Ireland's airports over the next five years as part of the national effort to seriously tackle climate change.

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