Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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370. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a breakdown of any exchequer funding received by Waterford airport in each of the years since it was established, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30456/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Exchequer funding of almost €27 million has been provided to Waterford Airport over the last 25 years. (Records of funding prior to this date are not readily available in the Department)

This funding which has bee broken down by year is as follows:

Aviation Exchequer Supports to Waterford Airport 2000-202

The Deputy will be aware that following a steady decline in passenger traffic, scheduled passenger services at the airport ceased in 2016. In the absence of scheduled passenger services, Waterford Airport is no longer eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme as its operations fail to meet the connectivity objective associated with Government policy on funding of 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 to the airport 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.