Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Transport if a CAT11 navigational status to the Border Midland Western region will be awarded in order that the Border Midland Western region can reverse its enormous deficiency in direct air access; if, in view of the fact that Ireland West Airport, Knock presents the most viable and realistic opportunity in achieving this the necessary investment of €29 million required for 2005-2007 to meet infrastructure needs will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the central role that Ireland West Airport, Knock plays and can play in the development of the Border Midland Western region; the financial investments his Department has planned for this airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

My Department assists Ireland West Airport, Knock, through a range of financial support mechanisms. Since 2000, the airport has received in the region of €6.5 million in operational and capital support directly from the Exchequer. This ongoing support has greatly assisted the airport to maintain viable operations and to grow its business, particularly on UK routes operated by low-cost air operators, and I understand the airport is constantly seeking to expand its range of services.

My Department will continue to assist Ireland West Airport, Knock, in line with the relevant EU Guidelines on financing of airports and Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines.

A total of 100 million Euro will be available for investment in development and safety related infrastructure in all regional airports under the Transport 21 framework. As well as the continuation of grant assistance for essential safety and security capital expenditure under the NDP, Ireland West Airport, Knock will also be eligible for capital expenditure grants where demand for additional air services can be demonstrated and where an economic case can be made to justify increased investment. A new grant scheme is currently being devised and I expect to be in a position to announce details shortly. In anticipation of the finalisation of the new scheme, my Department is considering a number of projects for the Airport, which are intended to enable the developing Airport to comply with international standards to meet future passenger demand.

In addition to the proposed new capital grants programme, a new scheme of operational grant assistance, is currently being developed in line with EU Guidelines and will be launched later this year.

My Department also supports regional air access through the Essential Air Service Programme, by providing financial compensation to air carriers on PSO routes, such as Knock-Dublin, where carriers would not be prepared to operate on a commercial basis.

The Irish Aviation Authority has informed me that Cat 11 navigational status refers to the category of approach (landing) of an aircraft in certain visibility conditions and depends upon the infrastructure at the airport in question.

An upgrade in category status is a technical and complex matter and is the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority. Any airport wishing to upgrade would have to apply to the Authority who would consider the matter. While I have no role in the awarding of CAT II status, the funding implications could be significant and would have to be addressed by the company in the first instance before deciding to proceed with such a proposal. If the company were to seek Exchequer support under the new grant schemes this would have to be rigorously assessed.