Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 664: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to enhance the capacity of the regional airports to attract more direct international services through the €86 million regional airports capital grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29323/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In February 2007, the Government approved grants under Transport 21 amounting to €86 million, consisting of €39 million under Measure 1 (90% funding), for safety/security projects, and €47 million under Measure 2 (75% funding), for developmental projects at the six regional airports in the period up to the end of 2010. Total grant payments so far, at just under €6 million, reflect the fact that in most cases, major projects such as terminal, apron and runway works were at the preliminary stages. The level and phasing of investment in the regional airports is currently being examined by my Department as part of an overall review of Capital Programme. In the meantime, the regional airports have been informed that Exchequer Capital Funding will be restricted to current contractual commitments in 2008 and 2009. My Department is in contact with the regional airports about the implications for spending between now and the end of 2009.