Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

61. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the current and capital spend in subhead D3 regional airports for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13400/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Funding of €23.405m (€15.39m capital and €8.015m current) is available for allocation under Subhead D3 in 2022. This Subhead makes provision for supports to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. An additional €20.66m (€2.66m capital and €18m current) is also available for allocation under this Programme in 2022, under Subhead D5.1 Aviation Covid Supports.

Eligible airports under this Programme in 2021 were Ireland West, Donegal and Kerry. However, due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021 both Cork and ShannonAirports have also become eligible for funding in 2022. The combined D3 and D5.1 budget allocation of €44.065m in 2022 represents a significant increase in funding available under the Programme due to the broadening of the Programme to include Shannon and Cork Airports.

During 2022, funding proposals from all five eligible airports will be assessed under a combined D3 and D5.1 budget allocation. Funding will target safety and security related operations at airports as well as projects which focus on reducing emissions and building climate resilience. Capital project proposals from airports for 2022 are currently being evaluated by an assessment panel set up by my Department.I anticipate being in a position to announce capital project allocations to these airports over the coming weeks. Invitations for operational funding will issue to airports, later in 2022, with current funding allocations made by years end.

The Regional Airports Programme also supports regional connectivity through Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services to remote regions in accordance with EU Reg 1008/2008. Currently one PSO route operates between Donegal and Dublin airports which is also funded from the current allocation provided under the subhead.The most recent PSO contract on this route commenced on 26th February 2022. This PSO service marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next 3 years. In line with Government’s commitment on balanced regional development, these services will support growth of the economy and tourism in the North-West region.