Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Transport if it is intended to increase and improve air transport between Dublin Airport and the provinces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36265/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under EU rules, the development of new air services is entirely a matter for commercial decision on the part of airlines, in consultation with the relevant airport authorities. Member states are allowed to provide financial compensation for the operation of public service obligation air services to regional airports, where it would not be economically viable for airlines to operate on a commercial basis. Earlier this year, I announced the award of contracts for the provision of PSO services on six regional routes for the next three years.

Aer Arann was awarded contracts to continue operating scheduled services on routes linking Dublin with the regional airports in Galway, Kerry, Sligo and Donegal. The Scottish regional carrier, Loganair, was awarded the contract for the operation of routes linking Dublin with Knock and City of Derry Airports. Under the new PSO contracts, Aer Arann will provide three daily return services on the Galway and Kerry routes and two daily return services on the Sligo and Donegal routes. Loganair will provide two daily return services on the Derry route and one return service each day on the Knock route. The total maximum contracted subvention for the three-year contract term on all routes will be €45.8 million. It remains open to the appointed air carriers to provide additional non-PSO services on the routes in question.