Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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280. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 8 April 2025, if there was ever a report published regarding the outcome of the mid-term review; if not, to provide justification; to outline the parameters of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28433/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to confirm to the Deputy that a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken by my Department in 2023. Kerry Airport along with Ireland West and Donegal airports are currently eligible for funding under this Programme.

The primary focus of this review was on the performance of the Programme to date. In this regard, the review found that the Programme is delivering on its objectives and is in line with Ireland’s National Aviation Policy. The review acknowledges, however, that further consideration could be given to how the Programme could better support connectivity and regional development. While the review was not published, former Minister for Transport James Lawless announced the high-level outcomes of the review on 16 July 2024, as follows:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/d8004-minister-lawless-announces-outcome-of-mid-term-review-of-the-regional-airports-programme-during-visit-to-shannon-airport-today/

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the immediate actions identified have already been delivered by my Department.

I can assure the Deputy that other actions arising from the mid-term review are being considered by my Department for inclusion in the next Regional Airports Programme. As recently advised to the Deputy, this new Programme is being progressed by my Department this year in line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026- 2030.