Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 643: To ask the Minister for Transport his views in respect of the development and further potential for Galway airport with particular reference to the restrictive length of runway that currently applies; if he has had discussions with the airport authorities in respect of potential future developments from Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10263/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am very pleased to say that I recently approved Exchequer grant aid amounting to €6.3 million for Galway Regional Airport under the Transport 21 capital expenditure grant scheme for the six regional airports which was launched by my Department last year. The allocation for Galway includes €2.8 million in respect of projects aimed at providing enhanced levels of safety and security and a sum of €3.5 million for developmental works, subject to agreement with the airport on specific projects.

The approved allocations under the scheme followed a rigorous appraisal and prioritisation of the submissions received from all of the regional airports which was carried out with the assistance of expert advisers. I believe that the financial assistance approved under the new scheme will enhance the potential of Galway Airport to attract inward investment and generate additional tourism business, thus boosting the contribution it makes to the development of its catchment area.