Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to support and promote the role of regional airports; if a particular initiative is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25676/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Our National Aviation Policy acknowledges the role played by the regional airports as being important in promoting a level of international connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors in their regions.

In this regard the new National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040, provides for continued Exchequer support for the smaller regional airports through my Department's Regional Airports Programme.

Funding support under this Programme is targeted at grant-aiding investments and activities in the areas of safety and security and to assist the smaller airports in ensuring compliance with international regulatory requirements in these areas.

A fortnight ago, I announced an allocation of €3.85 million in grant aid towards capital investments at the airports in Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock and Kerry.

The Regional Airports Programme will continue to support necessary safety and security investments by these airports to ensure that they can continue to contribute to enhanced regional connectivity.