Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Exchequer supports totalling almost €125m were provided to regional airports by my Department between 2020 -2023. Please see the table below, which provides a breakdown of funding to each airport by funding scheme over the period 2020-2023.

Over €70m was provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e., those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

A further €28m was provided under a one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021. As the Deputy is aware, at that time by virtue of their size and passenger numbers neither Shannon nor Cork State airports had been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, in recognition of the impact COVID-19 had on these airports, Government provided capital and operational supports in 2021. This one-year programme mirrored the focus and objectives of the Regional Airports Programme. Due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, both Shannon and Cork State airports later become eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022, with Shannon Airport remaining eligible in 2023 also.

In addition, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances faced by Irish airports during COVID-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, a further unprecedented €18.7m was allocated to regional airports in 2021 under an EU State Aid approved COVID Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports. This funding compensated the smaller regional airports at Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West for the damage caused to them by COVID-19. The funding allocated to Shannon and Cork State airports provided them with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines. This funding supported the strong rebound in passenger traffic witnessed across Irish airports in 2023.

Additional exceptional supports were also provided over this period. On foot of a Government decision in 2020, additional capital supports totalling €6.78m were provided to Shannon Airport over the period 2020-2023, to support vital Embankments works as well as the completion of a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project.

In addition, emergency operational support of €375,00 was provided to Waterford Airport in 2020. In the absence of scheduled passenger services, Waterford Airport has not been eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme since 2016. However, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by the airport, operational funding was provided to allow time for airport management to consider future options for the airport.

In relation to funding available for allocation in 2024, almost €9m in capital and €4m in operational supports are available for allocation this year. Eligible airports are Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West. My Department is currently assessing capital grant proposals received from airports, and I hope to make an announcement in relation to capital funding allocations in the coming weeks. As in previous years, requests for operational supports will be assessed later in the year, with allocations made by year end.

In addition, while not eligible for supports under the Programme since 2022, in recognition of the important role of Cork Airport to the economy of the south region and nationally, capital funding of €6m was made available to Cork Airport last year under Budget 2023. This funding will support, in principle, the commencement of a significant security screening project and is consistent with the Programme for Government action to deliver capital programmes required to support services and ensure safety at our state and regional airports. This project is currently being appraised in accordance with the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines, for funding consideration this year also.