Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which he will commence work on a new national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46097/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As previously outlined, work on reviewing our national aviation policy has not progressed to the extent I would have wished as the focus in my Department over the last couple of years was necessarily diverted to dealing with the unprecedented impact that the COVID pandemic has had on the aviation sector worldwide and aiding the recovery of the sector in Ireland.

It is intended to recommence this work before the end of the year. Recognising the interests expressed by various parties who would like to see a revised policy delivered quickly, I have asked my officials to present me with possible options on how the work on the revision of the policy could be brought forward in the near term.

In exploring such options due consideration will be given to the existing National Aviation Policy, in particular in areas where it is evident the policy continues to deliver its objectives. The National Aviation Policy published in 2015, as medium to long-term policy, was designed to create an environment that would encourage the industry to increase connectivity to and from Ireland for the benefit of the travelling public, Irish tourism and business. It is clear that this has been realised and as such the principal goals of the policy remain valid.

Additionally, options considered will need to have due regard to the changed environment the industry finds itself in, not least of all the sustainability and decarbonisation challenges that lies ahead.

As previously committed, we recognise that no process would be complete or robust without stakeholder consultation which provides invaluable input and experience for consideration.

In parallel with this, work in my department will also include a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2022. While my Department is currently focused on assessing applications for the disbursement of €22m in operational grant aid under the Regional Airports Programme to eligible airports (Shannon, Cork, Knock, Kerry and Donegal) before the end of this year, I have asked my officials to commence the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme once this funding has been disbursed.