James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the methodology utilised to allocate funding between the regional airports and the Dublin Airport Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23709/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, late last year Government agreed an €80m funding package specifically for Irish aviation in 2021, which included provision of capital and operational supports of €21.3m to Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 and €32.1m to Shannon and Cork Airports under the COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021.

Both Programmes, published on 4th February, set out in detail the eligibility criteria for funding together with the EU Framework and Rules and Nationally Determined Policy. Following the evaluation of projects submitted for capital funding under both Programmes in 2021, over €11m in Exchequer funding, which will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability, was approved for allocation. Almost €4.8m has been allocated to the airports of Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry. I am pleased to advise that all eligible projects submitted by these airports were approved for funding. In addition over €6.3m has been allocated to Shannon Airport. An announcement in respect of funding for Cork Airport is still pending. An application for funding in respect of a significant runway overlay project at Cork Airport is currently being assessed by my Department. Given the costs involved, this project is also subject to appraisal under the Public Spending Code. Pending a satisfactory evaluation, it is hoped that funding for this project can be approved in the coming weeks.

In addition to the above capital funding, Airports will also be invited to apply for operational supports, under these Programmes, later in the year.

You will also be aware that on 24 February, the Commission approved State aid support schemes to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. Collectively, these new Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes have a budget of €26m.

These schemes include compensation for State airports of approx. €20m, in light of Covid impacts in 2020. This funding will provide Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. My Department is currently assessing applications for this funding and would hope to be in a position to disburse this compensation in the coming weeks. In order to ensure parity of treatment, funding will be allocated to airports proportionate to the damage caused. In this regard, funding will be allocated proportionately in line with 2019 passenger numbers at the airports.

In addition, up to €6m will also be available to Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry, under the EU Temporary Framework in recognition of the impact of COVID on their business. My Department is currently assessing applications for this funding also and would hope to be in a position to award grant aid under this measure in the coming weeks.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the appointment of a chairperson to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23710/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to the appointment of a new Chairperson to Shannon Group.

My Department is engaging with the Public Appointments Service and a new campaign will be launched shortly. An executive search agency has also been engaged by PAS with a view to encouraging suitably qualified individuals to apply through the PAS process for this important position.

I am conscious that this is an important and challenging time for Shannon Group and I intend to appoint a new Chairperson as soon as possible.