Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if separating the building of Dublin Airport’s north runway from the construction of a planned underpass tunnel was the most cost-effective option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63799/22]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if reports are correct in relation to non-commercial passenger traffic arriving at Dublin Airport having to disembark and drive over 8 km around Dublin Airport’s perimeter to exit the airport; and if so, the reason that this is happening given that a more logical approach is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63800/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport including construction and planning matters relating to the north runway and the underpass tunnel.

Accordingly, as the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response.  If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is either just or equitable to invest heavily in Dublin Airport given that smaller provincial airports are frequently left searching for funding (details supplied). [63801/22]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport, which they do on a commercial basis with no recourse to Exchequer funding.  On that basis, investment in Dublin Airport is solely a matter for daa.

That said, Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting economic development, international connectivity and tourism via airports.  With regard to our regional airports, Government policy seeks to optimise conditions for regional development and connectivity, both for social and economic benefits.  In line with these objectives, through Exchequer funded programmes my Department has provided over €130m in targeted capital and operational supports to our regional airports over the past 10 years.  This funding has supported vital safety and security related projects and activities at our smallest regional airports i.e., those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million annual passengers. This investment has ensured that these airports have remained compliant with EU safety and security related obligations.

Furthermore, to encourage airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience, the scope of the current Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, which was published by my Department in 2021, was expanded to also support projects with a sustainability focus. 

In addition to these targeted supports, an unprecedented €116m in Exchequer funding was provided to Irish airports in 2021 under an EU State aid approved COVID-19 Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish airports.  This funding has compensated our small regional airports at Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry for the damage caused to them by COVID as well as having provided our State airports with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, greatly supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. 

Government has sustained these substantial high level supports to regional airports, with a total package of €36m announced in Budget 2023.  This funding will provide €16m in current and €20m in capital funding, supporting regional airports at Shannon, Cork, Ireland West, Donegal, and Kerry in 2023. Current funding will also support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin. 

This level of funding is a clear indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports being well positioned for growth. Exchequer funding provided to date has enabled the strong recovery of traffic through our regional airports last year, with airports forecasting an even stronger 2023 above 2019 passenger levels.