Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on the level of investment that is required to upgrade facilities at Ireland West Airport Knock; his plans to provide a package of State supports to the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16504/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The options and opportunities for the growth and development of the Airport were the subject of a Study Group established by the Taoiseach in January 2013 and chaired by Deputy John O'Mahony. A range of potential future scenarios for the future viability and growth of the Airport were considered as part of the Group’s deliberations.

In examining potential future scenarios for the future viability and growth of the Airport, an ambitious approach, involving an optimum level of investment and support of about €36 million, was identified by the Group. Notwithstanding any future Exchequer funding, it was agreed that financial contributions from the local authorities in the region and from the local business sector, must constitute a significant part of the future funding of the Airport.

The Study Group Report was presented to Government on 16 December 2013, with its recommendations and their impact on future State supports for regional airports, being noted at that time by Government.

The 2015-2019 Regional Airports Programme, which reflects the recommendations of the Study, provides for the continuation of Exchequer supports under the three main Schemes - Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention, Capital Expenditure Expenditure Grants and Public Service Obligation air services, where appropriate, to the four regional airports. The Programme limits future Exchequer support to safety and security related infrastructural projects, similar to the policy that has existed for some time.

The Programme has recently been formally notified to the EU Commission for approval, following which my Department will engage with the four airports to identify the specific level of Exchequer supports to be made available to each airport.