Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Transport the proposals he intends to bring forward regarding PSO support for regional airports following the DKM review of early 2003; when such proposals will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The review to which the Deputy refers is the Review of Air Services Supported by the Essential Air Services Programme and it makes reference to public service obligation, PSO, routes. DKM Economic Consultants was commissioned by my Department to undertake the review under the Government's expenditure-review initiative. The report was published earlier this year.

Current PSO air service contracts on all six PSO routes expire in July 2005. My Department is putting in place the necessary arrangements for the procurement of a revised programme of regional air services, with effect from 22 July 2005. The revised tender specifications for the new programme, which will be published next month in line with EU regulations, are designed to ensure that an appropriate level of air access to and from the regional airports can be facilitated on a cost-effective basis in the future.