Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There has been a strong recovery in passenger traffic at airports across the State following the end of the COVID air travel restrictions, with regional airports in Shannon, Cork, Kerry, and Ireland West Knock Airport with traffic levels to date this year at or above those during the same periods in 2019. This strong rebound in passenger numbers has been enabled by the unprecedented level of additional support provided by Government to these regional airports under an EU State aid approved Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme. Funding of almost €19m under this Scheme compensated regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry for the damage caused to them by Covid as well as providing our regional State airports at Shannon and Cork with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, which supported recovery and growth of connectivity at these airports. Last month Cork Airport and Shannon Airport experienced a significant uplift in passenger traffic of 27% and 29% respectively compared to last year. (Dublin Airport recorded a 17% increase in passenger numbers over 2022 in May)

Within the European Union the air transport market is fully liberalised with air carriers free to determine which routes to operate. Such decisions are generally based on the route’s commercial viability and engagement with airports and other market actors. My Department has no involvement in the decisions of commercial operators.

As Government policy on regional airports seeks to optimise conditions for regional development and connectivity – both for social and economic benefits - in addition to funding being made available directly to airports, the Regional Airports Programme also supports regional connectivity via Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services to remote regions. Currently one PSO route operates between Donegal and Dublin, providing the people and businesses in the North-West with twice daily, two-way air services. The current 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.

The Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports, those that operate scheduled services and handle fewer than 1 million annual passengers. Funding of €30m will be provided under the Programme this year. Supports under this Programme are targeted at safety and security activities and operations, assisting our regional airports to ensure they comply with international regulatory requirements in these areas. Funding also supports sustainability objectives, enabling these airports to identify and implement climate related efficiencies and build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change. In addition, and in recognition of the important role of Cork Airport to the economy of the south region and nationally, Government has provided capital funding of €6m to Cork Airport this year. This funding will support the commencement of a significant security screening project at Cork Airport this year.