Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that support for regional airports, including Galway Airport, through the public service obligation programme will continue after 2011; if he has met with the managing director (details supplied) of Galway Airport and in the context of their recent meeting with the European Commission on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26828/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts for services linking Dublin Airport with the regional airports at Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Ireland West Airport Knock, Galway and Kerry Airports commenced on 22 July 2008 and are due to expire on 20 July 2011. Under updated EU legislation governing these services, more stringent conditions will apply to future PSO arrangements, having regard, for example, to the availability of other transport connections and especially rail services with a travelling time of three hours or less.

I have recently received a Value for Money review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme which I am considering at present. This Review was carried out to assist me in evaluating the appropriate scale of a regional airports programme in subsequent years bearing in mind my aviation policy objectives, the updated EU legislation, the improved surface transport links under the NDP and Transport 21 and the need to address the difficulties with our public finances. I understand that all the regional airports, including Galway Airport, were fully consulted and were invited to make submissions in connection with the Value for Money Review. I have recently received a request for a meeting from Galway Airport's Chairman and Managing Director which I am considering at present.