James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

In line with National Aviation Policy regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). Eligible airports in 2024 are Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security related projects and activities the Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin are also supported under this Programme.

In April, following an assessment of all project proposals put forward by eligible airports, capital investment of €5.6m was allocated under the Programme to support 32 projects across Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports. A further €4m is available for allocation to these three airports later this year to support up to 100% of eligible non-economic payroll and operational costs in the areas of safety, security and air traffic control (ATC).

This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports. I am pleased to see that Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America. The targeted Exchequer funding to this sector has supported this connectivity, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports in 2023 at 9% above 2019 levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19). I am also encouraged by the strong growth experienced to date this year, with passenger traffic to end July 8% higher when compared to the same period last year.

A mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken by my Department in 2023. While the primary focus of this review was on the performance of the Programme to date, recommendations and proposed actions on foot of this review, may contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for regional airports in Ireland, including the development of any future Programme.

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. In line with the recommendations made under the review, I announced the high-level outcomes on 16 July which include the following:

In relation to broadening the eligibility criteria for funding to support airports with greater than one million passengers, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I published a new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme last month. This new programme, with a capital budget of €4.225m, will support Cork and Shannon airports' sustainability plans.

To continue to support airports who forecast passenger growth beyond the one million passenger eligibility threshold under any future programme, consideration is being given to the extension of supports, on a temporary phased step-down basis, to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ in supports. A detailed analysis in relation to the broadening of the scope of Programme eligibility to allow for the inclusion of airports with greater than one million passengers is also being undertaken to inform the next Regional Airports Programme.

I trust that these initiatives, which have been designed to support National Aviation Policy to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development, will be welcomed by the Deputy.

I note however that a related planning application, concerning the operating restrictions on the runway at Dublin airport at night will have a bearing on the current application by daa to lift the passenger cap and that planning application remains with An Bórd Pleanála since August 2022. I keenly await the outcome of that decision which should assist in progressing the other application.

I share the Deputy’s concern regarding the cap being reached at Dublin Airport. However, there are several other airports exist in the State, none of which have a cap on growth or connections given the spare capacity in place. I am actively engaged in a series of consultations with stakeholders including the airlines, the regulator, the daa and others to proactively manage this situation whilst the cap is in place.