Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the final agreed support subsidies to regional airports for opex and capex budgets in order to finalise the budgetary support for regional airports for 2010. [42641/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the Core Airport Management Operational Subvention (Opex) scheme, because of a projected shortfall in the resources available to fund this scheme in 2010, after allowing for estimated requirements for the PSO Air Services Programme for 2010, the six Regional Airports were allocated Opex funding on a pro rata basis in July of this year with no airport getting the full amount it might otherwise expect. This allocation was in line with the Opex contracts with the Airports. However, I am very much aware that payments at the reduced level have been causing difficulties for the Airports. My Department has been monitoring the position with management at each of the airports.

All the Airports have submitted additional information in support of their applications for funding. This updated information is being re-assessed by the Department in accordance with the terms of the scheme and I will make further allocations accordingly.

The provision in my Department's Vote to fund the capital expenditure (Capex) grant scheme for all the Regional Airports in 2010 is €3 million.

Grant aid for urgently required work at Knock and Donegal airports was approved for this year together with the completion of projects which had been contractually committed prior to July 2008. Just over €324,000 has been drawn down so far this year by the airports. It is not possible to say at this stage what the final draw down will be.

The Value for Money Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme, including the Capex and Opex Schemes, has been completed and is at present being considered by Government. It is expected that, in the light of that Review, decisions on funding for regional airports in future years will be made in the context of the Estimates and Budget process.