James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the capital expenditure and operational expenditure supports for 2022 for Cork and Shannon airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32557/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in recognition of the significant challenges being faced by Cork and Shannon airports, the Government established a Covid19 Regional State Airports Programme earlier this year. This is providing both capital and operational supports to these airports in 2021 with an available budget of €32.1m.

Furthermore, on 24 February 2021, my Department secured European Commission approval for a €26 million funding scheme for Irish Airports. As part of this scheme, a €20m damages measure has been established to support State airports, including Cork and Shannon. My Department is currently assessing applications for funding by airports under this Scheme and aid will be disbursed on a proportionate basis, relative to the level of damage incurred.

The Government understands that Irish aviation faces a long and difficult path to recovery, and that continued support will be necessary. The Government is fully committed to supporting the aviation sector, and we recognise the importance of providing clarity on the extent and duration of supports beyond 2021. In this context, Government will consider what further supports may be needed to help all regional airports, including Cork and Shannon, as part of the upcoming Estimates process.