David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

336. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total capital funding allocated to regional airports since 2010, broken down by year and by airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29704/25]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

337. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline all funding allocated to regional airports since 2010, broken down by year, funding type and by airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29705/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.

I propose to take PQs 29704/25 and 29705/25 together.

Over the period 2010-2024, Exchequer supports totaling almost €207 million were allocated by my Department to regional airports.

As requested by the Deputy, this funding has been set out by year and funding scheme for each regional airport. However, due to the large volume of data in tabular form, my private office will provide this directly to the Deputy.

The funding allocated for this period can be summarised under the following headings:

Regional Airport Grant Schemes under the relevant Programmes (2010-2024 - €150 million)

€150 million in grant aid was provided to regional airports under a number of grant schemes over this period. This funding has supported essential safety and security related projects and activities at regional airports. In addition, projects with a sustainability focus have also been supported since 2021, encouraging airports to reduce emissions are build resilience against climate change.

North/South Joint Funding to City of Derry Airport (2010-2012 €1 million)

€1 million in capital funding was provided to City of Derry Airport over the period 2010-2012 as part of North/South Co-operation in line with the Good Friday Agreement. This funding represented the final drawdown payments from a capital funding allocation of €11 million made in 2005, which was provided to the airport on a joint funding basis with the British Government.

Emergency Subvention to Waterford Airport (2017-2020 €1.5 million)

While eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme until 2016, with the absence of scheduled passenger services, Waterford Airport’s operations (like Galway and Sligo airports) now fail to meet the connectivity objective associated with Government policy on regional airports.

However, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by Waterford Airport in recent years, emergency operational subvention totalling €1.5 million was provided by my Department over the period 2017-2020. This funding was provided on an exceptional basis, to allow time for airport management to consider future options for the airport.

Emergency Supports to Shannon Airport (2020-2022 €7 million)

While At the onset of COVID-19 and on foot of a Government decision in 2020, almost €7 million in emergency capital supports were provided to Shannon Airport. This funding supported vital Embankments works as well as the completion of a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) project.

COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 (2021 €28 Million)

In 2021 over €28 million was provided under a COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021. At that time, by virtue of their size and passenger numbers, neither Shannon nor Cork airports had been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, in recognition of the devastating impact COVID-19 had on regional State airports, Government provided capital and operational supports in 2021 to these airports. This one-year programme mirrored the focus and objectives of the Regional Airports Programme. Shannon and Cork airports later become eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022, due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021. Shannon Airport also remined eligible under that programme in 2023, while Cork Airport did not.

COVID-19 Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports (2021 €19 Million)

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 €19 million 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 regional State airports, provided them with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines.

The new Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in regional airports and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.