Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the development of a regional airport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47225/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The six regional airports at Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Kerry and Waterford provide a network which complements the facilities provided by the State airports and contributes to balanced regional development. My Department's approach to the regional airports is to implement targeted safety and other investments in the regional airports and targeted subventions for regional air services.

This overall approach is reflected by my Department providing direct financial support for the six regional airports under two schemes — one relating to operational expenditure and the other to capital investments. In addition funding is provided by my Department in respect of the provision of PSO services connecting Dublin Airport with Kerry, Galway, IWAK, Sligo and Donegal regional airports and with the City of Derry Airport.