Regional airports get €6m in funding
Grants totalling €6.37m - allocated under the National Development Plan - will go to almost 20 projects aimed at maintaining safe operations at Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Waterford and Kerry airports.
Consideration was also being given to funding runway safety improvements at Sligo Airport and enhanced navigational aids at Knock Airport, the minister said.
Mr Cullen said he hoped that he could increase the funding to €12m.
Under the current round of grants, Knock airport is getting funding of more than €2m, with Waterford receiving just under €2m.
Donegal has been allocated more than €1m, Galway €692,000 and Sligo €180,000. Kerry Airport is set to receive €0.5m.
The minister also announced the start of an EU procurement process for the renewal of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service contracts on routes linking Dublin with the regional airports.
The Department of Transport is inviting tenders for the operation of services on the regional routes.
Mr Cullen said: “The PSO programme is vitally important in providing essential air access to the regions. It enables Government to use resources to contribute to the achievement of more balanced economic development by guaranteeing scheduled air services for business and tourism.
“The Government funding being announced today under the NDP complements the subsidised air services by ensuring that the regional airport authorities can meet all relevant safety and security standards and maintain viable operations.”
Chief executive at Knock International Airport, Liam Scollan, said he welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Transport.
The grant will be used to support projects relating to safety and security.
“Over the next three years we need to invest a further €18.7 million to meet the huge growth in passenger demand at Knock International Airport,” Mr Scollan said.
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