Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Aviation plays a crucial role in our economy and society. The National Aviation Policy, NAP, published in August 2015, established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector. It was designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.

Many of the goals have been progressed in Dublin Airport and our regional State airports. A number of capital projects to facilitate and enable connectivity have been completed, including the north runway and Dublin air traffic control tower at Dublin Airport, and significant infrastructure investments at regional airports, including safety and security upgrades at Shannon and Cork airports, some of which were supported by Exchequer funding.

The national aviation policy also recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. These airports continue to be important because of a level of international connectivity that they bring to a region for tourism and businesses.

In line with the action points under the NAP on regional airports, regional airports are supported under a regional airports programme. The current programme from 2021 to 2025 continues to support Ireland’s smallest airports. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the scope of the new programme has been expanded to encourage airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

Since 2015, almost €53 million in capital supports have been provided to eligible airports. This level of capital investment has supported a range of essential safety and security projects required to maintain airports’ compliance with regulatory requirements in those areas. Projects with a sustainability focus have also been supported since 2021, assisting airports meet their carbon reduction targets.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

In addition, almost €55 million has been provided to support core airport operations in the areas of air traffic control, ATC, safety and security. In line with national policy, and subject to the availability of budgetary resources in each given year, up to 100% of eligible payroll and operational costs at eligible airports have been supported.

Public service obligation, PSO, air services between Donegal and Dublin are also supported under this programme providing vital connectivity to the people and businesses in the north west. Services facilitate same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin airport. As well as supporting Government’s commitment to balanced regional development, these services have supported growth of the economy and tourism in the region. This Exchequer funding has supported the strong growth is passenger traffic across these airports with passenger number in 2023 having grown considerably and exceeded 2015 passenger levels by 25%.

Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America.

Looking to the future a number of projects are in development to further strengthen our airports, such as Dublin Airport’s infrastructure development programme, Shannon Group’s redevelopment and refurbishment of its properties at the Shannon campus, and the continued funding of regional airports under the regional airports programme. While the principal goals of the NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department will undertake work in 2024 to update the NAP. This work will need to have due regard to the changed environment that the aviation sector finds itself in, not least of all the challenge to ensure sustainable development of Ireland’s international connectivity by decarbonising air travel. The process of updating the NAP will include a comprehensive public consultation as well as close engagement with aviation sector and other key stakeholders.

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