Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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523. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the degree to which regional airports are expected to continue to play a major part in the national transport network in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The new National Aviation Policy which I published last August acknowledges the role played by the regional airports of Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford as being important in promoting connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors. The Policy confirms that these four regional airports are being given the opportunity to grow to a viable, self-sustaining position. For this reason, Exchequer support under our Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019 for safety and security projects and activities at these airports will be continued where appropriate. It is a matter for the airports themselves to exploit all potential opportunities to expand their air services.