Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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365. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 40% of the passengers that have used the City of Derry Airport in recent years are based in County Donegal; and when substantial funding to the airport will be restored to reflect such passenger numbers and the commitment to the north west cross Border region under the New Decade, New Approach Agreement. [19336/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that City of Derry Airport (CODA) has advised my Department of data concerning Republic of Ireland passenger numbers using CODA and the specific estimate of 40%.

It is clear that CODA has a role in helping to facilitate connectivity to the North West. For that reason, I understand that it has been significantly supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for Transport (UK). However, it is not eligible for funding from the Irish Exchequer.

As you may know, I recently published a new Regional Airports Programme to cover the period 2021 to 2025. The primary aim of this programme is to target funding, which is limited, at our smallest airports, including Donegal Airport, so that they can maintain compliance in the areas of safety and security in line with EU rules on State aid. Extending the scope and cost of this Programme, to include CODA, was not an option in the context of securing efficiencies and reducing demands on the Exchequer, which are at an all-time high as a result of Covid.

That aside, as the Deputy is aware, a range of commitments were made to improving connectivity on the island of Ireland under ‘New Decade New Approach’ including a commitment by the Irish Government to take forward a review of potential options for supporting viable air services on two air routes: Belfast/Cork and Derry/Dublin.

This review is being led by my Department and there has been good engagement with stakeholders including CODA, the Department for the Economy (NI) and the Department for Transport (UK). As part of the process, my Department is undertaking analysis that will help to establish the likely demand for, and impact of, these services – having regard to policy objectives on regional development, climate change, the greening of transport and Exchequer costs.

Long term sustainability goals will also be considered, having regard to the all-island Strategic Rail Review that was launched recently, and plans for improved road connectivity, particularly the A5 between Derry and Dublin.