Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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255. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that adequate focus remains on the need to ensure the future of regional airports in the context of a modern economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am satisfied that my Department maintains adequate focus on the regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford, commensurate with the scale of operations at these airports. This is reflected in the National Aviation Policy which acknowledges the role played by these smaller airports as being important in promoting a level of connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors in their regions.  Exchequer support under the Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019 for safety and security projects and activities at these airports will be continued where appropriate and in this regard, the Deputy will have seen last week that I approved almost €2 million in capital grant allocations under this Programme for these airports.

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