Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact that the lack of extra flights in Dublin Airport will have on the economy in County Kerry if Kerry Airport loses one of its Kerry to Dublin routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42427/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that I am fully in favour of increasing the capacity of Dublin Airport, the development of which is in line with the National Aviation Policy. This Policy recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport to meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes an objective to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport.

The cap on passengers is not a policy decision but rather a constraint imposed by a planning condition that can only be amended by a planning decision. The current situation is undesirable for all of us who would like to see Dublin Airport develop as a hub airport, however it is not a simple matter to make it go away and the planning process is complex. It is also important to the Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the objectives of our National Aviation Policy, the needs of business and tourism interests and the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels, particularly at night.

In order to discuss ways in which the impact of the constraint of the passenger cap may be limited while planning permission is awaited, I wish to advise the Deputy that I have been undertaking a series of engagements with key stakeholders (airlines, airports, regulators, business groups). The objective of his engagement is to ensure that connectivity to and from Ireland can continue to grow and that the impact of the constraints at Dublin Airport can be mitigated where possible.

I am aware of concerns that have been raised in relation to the domestic air service between Kerry and Dublin and would be happy to meet with Kerry Airport as part of my engagements on this matter. I note that a significant increase in passenger traffic was witnessed on this route following its commercialisation and recognise the importance of this route to tourism in the south west.

Our national aviation policy seeks to optimise the operation of the Irish Airport network to ensure maximum connectivity to the rest of the world. Growth of air services at our regional airports is in line with government policy on balanced regional development, this is evident in the level of Exchequer funding provided to this sector under my Department’s Regional Airports Programme. Under this Government alone, Kerry Airport has received funding totally over €13 million with additional operational funding to be allocated later this year.

In addition, you may be aware that a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken by my Department in 2023. The review found that the Programme is delivering on its objectives and is in line with National Aviation Policy. The review acknowledges, however, that further consideration could be given to how the Programme could better support connectivity and regional development. In line with the recommendations made under the review, I was happy to announce the high-level outcomes of the review on 16 July.

I understand that the expansion of the scope of sustainability projects funded under the Regional Airports Programme to support Solar PV farm projects and the consideration being given to the potential of an Exchequer funded Start-up Aid Scheme for airlines to support strategic route development to and from the regions, will be of particular interest to Kerry Airport.

This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to connectivity and balanced regional development. There is evidence which shows that there is demand from Irish people to travel from our regional airports, and for tourists to arrive directly into the regions, when these services are provided. I was pleased to see that passenger numbers were up 9% across our regional airports last year and 8% to date this year, with Kerry Airport alone up 18% last year.

I trust that these initiatives, designed to support National Aviation Policy to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development, will be welcomed by the Deputy.