Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to bring forward a new aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17516/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The 2015 National Aviation Policy (“NAP”) established the policy framework for the development of the aviation sector in Ireland and is designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.

While the principal goals of the NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department will undertake work in 2025 to update the NAP in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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323. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to support the development of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17517/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In line with National Aviation Policy, Government provides substantial annual funding under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme, which is administered by my Department, supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. Kerry Airport along with Ireland West and Donegal airports are currently eligible for funding under this Programme.

The current Programme, for the period 2021-2025, has a budget of €18 million for allocation this year. This funding will support vital safety, security and sustainability operations and activities at these airports. A Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports is also supported. This service provides the people and business in the North West with vital twice daily two-way air services to attend medical and other important appointments. Services facilitate same day return from Donegal Airport and onwards international connectivity via Dublin Airport.

It must be recognised that Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America. The targeted Exchequer funding provided by my Department to this sector has supported this connectivity, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports in 2024 7% above 2023 levels and a significant 17% above 2019 levels, the last comparable period prior to COVID-19 which had a detrimental impact on air connectivity at that time.

A mid-term review of the current Programme has been completed and the high-level outcomes were announced last July. In line with these outcomes, the potential for the development of an Exchequer funded Start-up Aid Scheme for airlines to support strategic route development to and from the regions is being considered. My Department is preparing to engage with the market in relation to the potential for such a scheme.

In terms of the measures being taken to further support the development of regional airports, the Deputy may be aware that the new Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. I can assure the Deputy that this new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.