Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on proposals from Galway City Council for increased runway capacity and passenger facilities at Galway airport. [22710/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Transport 21 framework, which provides for a total public investment of €100 million in regional airport infrastructure over the next ten years, my Department will consider proposals for capital expenditure at Galway Airport, in line with the 2005 EU guidelines on public financing of airports and Department of Finance Capital Appraisal procedures.

Funding will continue to be available primarily for safety and security projects while development works will be supported where the demand for additional air services can be demonstrated and where an economic case can be made to justify increased investment.

In order to implement Transport 21, my Department has drafted a new Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme in line with the EU guidelines and I expect to be in a position to announce details shortly.

My Department has received no new proposals for financial assistance in respect of increased runway capacity or passenger facilities at Galway Airport. Any such proposals that might be submitted by the airport would be assessed under the terms of the new Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme.