Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional flights will be ensured for an airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25715/22]

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

Government has maintained a strong commitment to the aviation sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exchequer funding of almost €5.9 million was provided to Kerry Airport during 2021. Over €4 million of this funding was provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, which supported 100% of capital project proposals submitted by the airport as well as 100% of all eligible operation costs in the areas of safety, security, and air traffic control in 2021. In addition, almost €1.8 million was provided under the COVID Supplementary Support Scheme to compensate Kerry Airport for the damage caused to it by COVID-19. 

Building on this commitment is the recently announced additional capital funding of almost €1.1 million for Kerry Airport, in 2022, to support a number of key safety and security related projects. Projects with a sustainability focus are also being supported, assisting Kerry Airport to reduce emissions, facilitating the sustainable growth of the sector.

Kerry Airport will also be eligible to apply for operational grant-aid later this year. Almost €22 million in operational support is available in 2022 under the Regional Airports Programme to support air traffic control, fire services and security related operations at our regional airports, including Kerry Airport.

This funding represents Government’s commitment to continue to enable Kerry Airport to remain financially sustainable as it enters the recovery period and prepares for growth into the future.

While air travel continued to be significantly impacted by travel restrictions during 2021, passenger numbers at Kerry Airport have shown growth month on month to date in 2022, with numbers now reaching 78% of 2019 pre-COVID figures, for the same period.  

I understand that Tourism Ireland engages in co-operative marketing with airports and airlines to stimulate demand. That being said, the ultimate decision to introduce new air routes are made by airlines, in consultation with airports, based on the commercial viability of the routes in question and other operational factors.

My department has no role in the commercial decisions of the private companies concerned.