Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding proposals his Department is making to the European Union Transport Commissioner in relation to Ireland West Airport Knock, in order to secure the future of the airport and to make it sustainable and self financing going forward from 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17131/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 964 of 24 March, the Exchequer provides funding supports to four regional airports, Donegal, IWA Knock, Kerry and Waterford under the Regional Airports Programme. Reflecting the recommendations of the IWA Knock Study Group and the draft National Aviation Policy in respect of future funding supports for the regional airports, the 2015 - 2019 Regional Airports Programme provides for the continuance those Exchequer supports, where appropriate, to the four regional airports. That Programme establishes a definitive framework for the future development of Ireland's regional airports, including IWA Knock. It will be a matter for the Airport to formally submit a comprehensive business case for funding supports for consideration by my Department.

Following an extensive and detailed pre-notification consultation process over the past number of months, between  my Department and the EU Commission, the 2015-2019 Programme has recently been formally notified to the Commission for approval. Once approved, my Department will engage with the four airports to identify the specific level of Exchequer supports to be made available to each airport in strict accordance with the criteria set out in the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.