John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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517. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the continuance of passenger flight operations to and from Waterford Airport following the recent announcement that a company (details supplied) is to cease operating from Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16691/16]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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539. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet the board of Waterford Airport given the discontinuation of services by a company (details supplied) recently at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16973/16]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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540. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increased funding he will make available to Waterford Airport following commitments in the programme for Government; the restrictions that exist in terms of European Union law and EU directives in providing funding to regional airports; and if he will make an investment in extending the runway at the airport. [16974/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 517, 539 and 540 together.

I was disappointed to learn a fortnight ago that VLM Airlines ceased its operations on the Luton service out of Waterford Airport. VLM also withdrew its Birmingham route at the airport last month.

The Deputy will appreciate however that securing routes and negotiating deals with airlines are matters for the airports themselves, be they State airports or regional airports. These are commercial matters for the airports and airlines.

I understand that the authorities in Waterford Airport are in detailed discussions with a number of airlines with a view to securing a replacement carrier.

Waterford Airport receives substantial Exchequer support under the Regional Airports Programme that is administered by my Department. This Programme also supports the other three regional airports in Counties Donegal, Mayo and Kerry with funding but only in relation to the implementation of necessary safety and security related projects and activities. The extra €10 million in capital funding that is provided in the Programme for Government will enhance my Department's ability to further support the four airports, including Waterford.

Development projects at the airports which are designed to expand capacity are a commercial matter for the airports themselves.  In the case of the proposed runway extension at Waterford, I understand that the airport authorities are pursuing local interests for funding in relation to that project.

Over the past five years, Waterford Airport has received €9.6 million in operational and investment support from my Department. In April of this year, a further €157,500 in grant aid was approved for a number of security related projects, including new X-ray equipment, at the airport.

The current Regional Airports Programme covers the period 2015 to 2019 and this Programme was approved in August last year by the EU Commission as being in conformity with the Commission's 2014Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines. Those EU Guidelines may be accessed here:

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.C_.2014.099.01.0003.01.ENG .

Some of the salient points arising from these Guidelines are contained in the current Regional Airports Programme which is published on my Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/aviation/english/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019.pdf .

It is my intention to visit Waterford Airport and meet with management there when time permits.