Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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926. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position in relation to his Department's discussions with the European Commission in relation to funding for Ireland West Airport, Knock, County Mayo; the timeframe for the successful conclusion of those discussions; his Department's plans for funding the airport, pending a successful outcome to these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Following an extensive and detailed pre-notification consultation process over the past year between my Department and the EU Commission, the 2015-2019 Regional Airports Programme has been formally notified to the Commission for approval which is expected shortly.  This Programme sets out future funding supports for the four regional airports, including IWA Knock.  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.

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.