Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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19. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an airport (details supplied) will be eligible to secure funding under the European regional development fund to support infrastructural works; when the first call for applications will open; if local authorities will be able to submit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63414/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the West Regional Enterprise Plan (REP) to 2024 includes an objective to advance the development of the regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the region. Action five under this objective focuses on strengthening the enterprise strategy for the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at the Ireland West Airport Knock. Progress is ongoing in relation to this action.

My Department has secured up to €145m over the coming years from the European Regional Development Fund to support projects coming from the nine Regional Enterprise Plans.

I am keen to get this funding out to the regions as soon as possible. My officials are working with Enterprise Ireland on developing the scheme and eligibility criteria with a view to launching the first call in early 2023.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Horan Airport Trust secured funding under my Department’s Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS) to undertake a feasibility study looking at the potential for an ‘Infinity Hub’ at Knock Airport as a focal point for the circular economy and its development for industry and clustering activity across sectors.