Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether Knock International Airport is one of Ireland's international airports; his further views on an investment programme for Knock International Airport which will provide increased levels of service to the area as a whole and also increase tourism in the region and encourage economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. My Department has now produced a draft of this scheme, which it believes is fully compliant with the relevant EU guidelines and I expect to be in a position to announce details shortly. Meanwhile, for the sake of legal certainty, this proposed scheme has been formally notified to the EU Commission for clearance under the EU Guidelines already mentioned. In anticipation of this clearance, my Department is considering a number of projects 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 for subvention of airport operations, to the extent that these cannot otherwise be financed from airport revenues, is currently being developed in line with the EU Guidelines and will be launched shortly.

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.