Smaller airports at risk if ‘lifeline’ is axed

THE future of regional airports such as Kerry, Galway and Sligo is in serious doubt as the Government looks at cutting vital subsidies as part of €3 billion of savings to be made in December’s Budget.

The Cabinet is to discuss the future of Government-funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes and whether or not they should be renewed when contracts expire next year.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has strongly signalled the routes would be axed and believes they are no longer viable in the context of improved road connectivity.