Written answers

Wednesday, 13 December 2006

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Rural Development

10:00 pm

Photo of John CartyJohn Carty (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports that have been provided from his Department's vote to Ireland West Airport, Knock since 2002; the role these have played in fulfilling the rural development objectives of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42646/06]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Funding to Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) has been provided through the Western Investment Fund (WIF) and the CLÁR Programme. The WIF is a key element of the Western Development Commission's strategy for accelerating the economic and social development of the Western Region. The Fund aims to target flagship projects and initiatives with the potential to have a major impact on the region and to accelerate the development of small and medium sized enterprises in the region.

To date, €2,317,000 has been invested in IWAK through the WIF, in three tranches:

In December 2003, €317,000 was provided for working capital purposes to enable the airport to develop its master plan and strengthen its management team;

In December 2005, €1,000,000 was provided for capital purposes to enable the airport to realise its business plan goals; and

In September 2006, €1,000,000 was provided for the acquisition of land for a business park development.

In terms of the CLÁR Programme, funding of €353,400 was provided to IWAK in 2003 for the upgrade of the car park facilities at the Airport. In 2005, further funding of €1,006,500 was approved for the purchase of two fire tenders at IWAK.

I am happy that the funding provided to IWAK is helping to fulfil the rural development objectives of my Department, as well as contributing to the continued safe and smooth operation of Airport. IWAK is a growing international airport with an opportunity to provide a stimulus for economic activity in the Western region. International air access supports and facilitates growth in tourism, in foreign direct investment as well as supporting indigenous enterprise. It also helps to achieve better regional development, which is one of the key aims of my Department.

Overall, therefore, I strongly support the on-going investment in IWAK which is a major boost for both local business interests and tourism and also for the general economic development of the West.

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