Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Sligo Airport will be reimbursed for mandated safety works carried out in 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24508/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I understand Sligo Airport is in discussions with CHC Ireland in relation to those costs that relate specifically to the continued operation of the SAR base there. As outlined at the meeting referred to, this is firstly a matter for CHC and Sligo Airport under their own commercial arrangements. The IRCG is working with CHC, with whom it has a contract for the wider national service, to find a pragmatic solution for all concerned which will facilitate a continued service from Sligo for the remainder of the contract.

As the Deputy refers, Sligo Airport is not eligible for support under the Regional Airports Programme (RAP). The most recent programme, which was published on 4 February this year, targets capital funding at airports that operate scheduled passenger air services and facilitate connectivity to the regions. As scheduled services have not operated at Sligo Airport since 2011, this airport no longer meets the eligibility criteria in respect of capital grant schemes under the RAP.