Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to open terminal two at Dublin Airport in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47761/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The position, as previously outlined to the Deputy, is that I have been informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that the construction of Terminal Two at Dublin Airport is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2009. After a rigorous testing and commissioning phase, it is expected that the new terminal will open to the public in April 2010.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 540: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment 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. [47762/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In February 2007 the Government approved an €86 million programme of grant aid under the Transport 21 umbrella for specific projects at the six regional airports (Galway, Waterford, Kerry, Sligo, Knock and Donegal) up to the end of 2010. This consists of €39 million at the 90% rate for safety and security improvements and €47 million at the 75% rate for developmental projects aimed at increasing capacity in the sector.

All of the regional airports are engaged in the implementation of projects approved under the capital grant scheme. So far, grants paid under the scheme, amounting to just over €13 million, reflect the fact that for most airports, major projects have been at the preparatory stages or have been subject to delays arising from planning or procurement procedures. The provision in the Department's Vote to fund the scheme in 2009 is €11 million.

Because of the current difficulties with the public finances, full implementation of the approved capital programme will take longer than originally anticipated. Meanwhile, the Department is working to establish priorities for grant aid from the funds available in 2009, having regard to projects already contractually committed and a realistic assessment of the actual drawdown requirements for safety and security-related projects likely to arise during the year.