Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
339. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he can ensure that the Regional Airport Programme is renewed for the next five years, 2026-2030, as it is vital for the future development of Kerry Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/26]
View answer341. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the OPEX grant scheme can be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3968/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 341 together.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting international connectivity, economic development, and tourism via our airports. In line with this, Government provides significant supports to regional airports.
Funding of almost €14 million (€7m capital and €7m current) was allocated to Kerry Airport under the most recent Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This funding targeted safety and security related activities and operations at the airport. Projects with a sustainability focus were also supported, assisting Kerry Airport meet its carbon emission reduction targets.
This targeted Exchequer funding has supported connectivity at Kerry Airport with 440K passengers recorded in 2025. The represents a 6% increase on 2024 passenger traffic and a significant 19% growth when compared to 2019 (the last comparable period prior to the pandemic).
In relation to operational funding specifically, the funding available to airports under the Programme is limited to that provided to the Department as part of the annual Estimates process in a given year. It is therefore not always possible to fully fund an airport’s operational expenditure although operational funding levels have been maintained over the course of the current Programme with the funding apportioned to eligible airports based on their forecast operational expenditure costs. As passenger traffic and revenue levels grow at regional airports, it is expected that the reliance on funding for operational supports is reduced.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority for publication early this year.
