Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve air access into the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18735/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Border, midlands and western region is served by four regional airports providing the region with a range of air services on domestic and UK routes. My Department provides funding in support of regional air access under three separate but complementary programmes.

I recently announced that, following an EU public tender process, contracts to provide scheduled air services on the six public service obligation, PSO, regional air routes have been secured by Aer Arann and Loganair. Aer Arann has been awarded contracts to continue operating scheduled services on routes linking Dublin with the regional airports in Galway, Kerry, Sligo and Donegal. Loganair has been awarded the contract for the operation of routes linking Dublin with Knock and City of Derry airports.

The PSO services enable passengers, particularly business passengers, to make same-day return journeys to and from Dublin. The programme also facilitates onward access to and from the many international destinations currently served by Dublin Airport.

Earlier this year, I announced the next round of capital funding for the regional airports under the regional airports measure of the national development plan. The measure involves the provision of grant assistance for improvements and upgrades in facilities in order to maintain continued safe and viable operations. It is expected that up to €9.5 million will be invested in the four regional airports in the BMW region between now and 2007. This is in addition to the €7.875 million already invested in the BMW airports since 2002, under the NDP and other capital grant schemes.

My Department allocates over €2 million annually to the six regional airports towards operational expenditure incurred on marketing, safety and security. The 2005 allocations under this particular scheme are currently being considered. The continuation of Government support for regional airports and regional air access will have a positive impact on regional development through increased economic activity, tourism and employment.