Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will guarantee the necessary additional funding of up to €30 million for Knock Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3953/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide necessary funding to Ireland West Airport, Knock to expand its infrastructure in line with its passenger and route increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.

I am very pleased to say that I have now announced approval in principle for Exchequer grant aid amounting to €86 million for the six regional airports under the capital expenditure grant scheme which was launched by my Department last year. This includes an allocation of €27.1 million for Ireland West Airport Knock, consisting of €9.9 million for safety and security projects and €17 million for developmental projects.

I am satisfied that the new scheme enhances the potential of the regional airports to attract inward investment and generate additional tourism business thus boosting the contribution of the airports to balanced regional development.