Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Transport when the additional essential funding will be provided to enable Ireland West Airport, Knock develop and increase capacity as being demanded by the general public; his views on the fact that given the constant increases in passenger numbers at this airport, would it not be prudent for this Government to invest in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Transport to provide details of the long term financial-investment plans he has for Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 67 together.

The level of Exchequer funding for capital expenditure at Ireland West Airport Knock and at the other regional airports in the years ahead will be determined within the framework of a new scheme recently introduced by my Department to ensure that such funding is in compliance with the legally-binding EU guidelines on financing of airports which were published towards the end of last year.

Under the Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme, applications from the regional airports will be assessed by reference to a planning and implementation framework extending to 2010 and a budget of €65 million out of the total of €100 million for which Transport 21 provides up to 2015. As well as the continuation of grant assistance for essential safety and security capital expenditure under the NDP, all regional airports are 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.

At my Department's request, all of the regional airports including Ireland West Airport Knock have submitted proposals for funding under the new scheme. These grant applications will be assessed and prioritised by my Department with the assistance of expert advice and I expect to be in a position to announce each airport's allocation under the scheme by the end of November this year.