Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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455. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends to support and promote the role of regional airports; if any particular initiative is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33041/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Aviation Policy, which was published by my Department in August of last year, acknowledges the role played by the regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford in promoting a level of international connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors in their regions.

The Policy also confirms that these four airports are being given the opportunity to grow to a viable, self-sustaining position. In this regard, our current Regional Airports Programme 2015 - 2019, which was approved by the EU Commission last year, will continue to support safety and security measures at these airports where appropriate, in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State-aid to airports and airlines.

As the Deputy will be aware, an extra €10 million in funding is provided in the Programme for Government for the regional airports. This is additional to the €28 million already provided for this purpose in the Capital Plan 2016 to 2022 and will enhance my Department's ability to further support the four airports under the Regional Airports Programme.

It is of course a matter for the airports themselves to exploit all potential opportunities to develop air services at their facilities.