Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department will allocate the necessary funding needed by Ireland West Airport, Knock to enable it to expand to its full potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38488/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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 introduced earlier this year 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 2005.

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 are being assessed and prioritised by my Department with the assistance of expert advice. That process is well advanced and I expect to be in a position to announce each airport's allocation under the scheme shortly.