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

I thank the Minister and Minister of State for waiting. I have two questions and I will take a written answer to the second, if necessary. I have spoken before to the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, about the need for essential funding for Sligo Airport. As it is not a regional airport, it no longer qualifies for funding. We know that and therefore we must look elsewhere.

As I explained to the Minister of State approximately a month ago or perhaps more, the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, told Sligo Airport that certain mandatory works must be carried out in order for it to continue to provide, as it does now, the largest search and rescue base in Ireland with 24-hour air traffic control. I subsequently questioned the Tánaiste on this issue and he said that Sligo Airport will have to be provided with funding, if it needs it, to keep that service up and running. After that, the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, organised a meeting on 22 December with the airports division of the Department of Transport, local representatives, Coast Guard representatives and a representative from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. They were all present. Arising from that meeting, Sligo Airport was asked to put forward a funding request through CHC Helicopter.

To date, no feedback has been received. The essential works have been completed and the airport has used its own operational funds to front-load the cost. When will it receive word on this funding?

My second question, to which I will take a written answer, refers to the €80 million support package announced in November, which is essentially a grant for Irish airports. This is needed but where are the funds to support our airlines? British Airways has received €2.7 billion, Lufthansa has received €10 billion and Air France has received €7 billion. Unless we want all flights into Ireland to be Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France flights, we need to support our airlines. I will take a written answer on that but I would like an oral answer from the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on my first question.

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