Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Transport the details of and implications arising from the recent European Commission initiative to promote the development of regional airports here and to encourage new flights by providing development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5740/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission has recently issued draft guidelines entitled Community guidelines on financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines departing from regional airports. The draft guidelines are available on the Commission's website, www.europa.eu.int and the Commission has invited views and comments from interested parties by 7 March 2005.

The Commission has also written separately to all member states seeking comments on the draft guidelines and intends to arrange a meeting of member states in Brussels next month for an exchange of views on the proposals. My Department is currently examining the draft guidelines and is consulting with Irish airlines and airports on the matter.