James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 388: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures he will take to counteract the discontinuance of flights (details supplied) in and out of Gatwick Airport from Knock Airport which provided an important link to the Gatwick area of London as currently there is no other direct link to Gatwick. [34402/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Measures relating to the establishment and development of air services to and from Ireland West Airport Knock are a commercial matter for the airport authority, in which I have no function. The six regional airports, including Knock, play an important role within the national transport network by providing air transport access for their respective catchment areas, thereby boosting the potential for attracting inward investment and tourism business. Financial assistance provided by the Exchequer has contributed to the growth in passenger numbers at these airports in recent years.

Knock Airport is pursuing a developmental strategy aimed at winning increased traffic levels. Under Transport 21, the airport has been earmarked for €27.1 million in capital expenditure grants, consisting of €9.9 million for safety and security projects and €17 million for developmental projects up to the end of 2010. I am satisfied that this capital expenditure grant allocation will further enhance the airport's ability to attract new air services on a commercial basis.