Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the dates he has had engagement with the DAA and the management of Cork Airport in the past two months. [34003/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Since coming into Office, both Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton and I have met with daa senior management, including its Chief Executive and the Managing Director of Cork Airport. Indeed, at the end of August Minister of State Naughton visited Cork Airport and met with senior management.

While I have not had direct engagement over the period in question, I assure the Deputy that there is ongoing and regular engagement between officials in my Department and daa and the management of Cork Airport. I am also aware that over the past 2 months, senior management from Cork Airport have been in direct contact with the An Taoiseach in relation to the impacts of Covid-19 on the Airport.

In this context the Government has already provided a comprehensive suite of generalised supports for companies of all sizes, including those in the aviation sector, which includes the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, a waiver of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. Cork Airport, as part of the daa, is availing of these supports which assist in addressing some of the impacts of Covid-19. Further, in recognition of the devastating effects of Covid-19, Budget 2021 included a provision of €10m in capital support to address the challenges facing Cork (and Shannon) Airport.

I can assure the Deputy that I, Minister of State Naughton, and my officials will continue to engage with daa and the management of Cork Airport as the Government continues to develop the forthcoming National Economic Plan.