Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
169. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support and develop aviation service since January 2026; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that strong levels of connectivity are critical for economic development. As an island nation, robust and diverse air connections, both within Ireland and with the rest of the world, are essential to support the movement of people and of goods. The Government is committed to supporting the continued development of a vibrant aviation sector and I have taken significant steps this year in that regard.
The foundation for measures I take as Minister for Transport is the Programme for Government as well as Ireland’s National Aviation Policy (‘NAP’), published in 2015 which established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector in Ireland. The NAP was designed to create an environment that encouraged the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
While the principal goals of the 2015 NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department has commenced preparatory work on revising the NAP. The Department is working towards the publication of an issues paper for public consultation before the end of the year.
The revised NAP will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will include a focus on maximising use of our regional airports, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.
I have also made significant strides in addressing the legacy passenger cap planning condition at Dublin airport. In this regard, I secured support from my colleagues in Cabinet to pursue a legislative course of action to address the passenger cap in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 was passed by Dáil Éireann on 30 June and by Seanad Éireann on 8 July and has been sent to the President for consideration. The legislation empowers me, as the Minister for Transport, to make an order to amend or revoke the passenger cap planning condition. Once enacted, I will immediately commence the process for the necessary environmental assessments to be undertaken to allow me to make such an order to ensure continued sustainable growth in connectivity for the benefit of our economy.
Regarding our regional airports, the Programme for Government commits to the development of a new Regional Airports Programme and a new Programme for the period 2026-2030 was published by my Department on 25 February.
This new Programme will continue to support Ireland’s smallest airports with funding targeted at safety and security related activities and operations. The Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience against climate change.
With the objective of maximising existing capacity across regional airports, the eligibility criteria of this new programme was broadened from one to three million passengers per annum. This will ensure that Ireland West Airport will continue to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond one million passengers. Shannon Airport will also be eligible for supports. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the National Development Plan Review will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for regional airports during the lifetime of this new Programme. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimates process.
Government is also committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin airports. Following a public procurement undertaken by my Department last year a new four year contract came into effect on 26 February 2026.
Services facilitate same day return from Donegal Airport and onward international connectivity via Dublin Airport. As well as marking Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region, these Exchequer funded services also support growth of the economy and tourism in the region.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. As part of the objectives of Building a Shared Island, my Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish a PSO air service on this route in 2026.
A market sounding exercise was undertaken by my Department earlier this year to inform the development of a Request for Tenders (RFT) document for this PSO service. It is anticipated that this RFT will be published in the coming weeks with a view to services commencing on this route in Q4.
Last year, passenger numbers continued to increase at our international airports, in most cases seeing record numbers of travellers. In 2026, we have continued to see very high demand and airlines introducing a range of new routes and additional services.
While the operation of a scheduled air service is a commercial decision made by airlines, in cooperation with airports and other market actors. It is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that the appropriate frameworks are in place to facilitate such operations. These frameworks take the form of bilateral or multilateral agreements on air services.
This year, work has advanced with a number of third country partners towards the development of new bilateral air service agreements. This includes negotiations with Brazil, which I announced with my Brazilian counterpart in March, and which are now at an advanced stage.
I expect several of these international agreements to be brought to Government for consideration before the end of the year, while in other cases, negotiations will continue at a technical level. Once finalised, these agreements will enable new and enhanced connectivity should any operator wish to introduce services.
At an EU level, agreement on a revision of EU Regulation 261 of 2004 on the rights of air passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation and long delay of flights was reached in June and will be adopted this month. The revised Regulation strengthens and clarifies passengers’ rights in the event of disruption to flights.
Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026 and my Department is engaged in the whole-of-government effort to deliver a successful Irish Presidency. I anticipate that during Ireland's Presidency, work will advance on a number of important aviation files, including a revision of the EU's Air Services Regulation (1008/2008), a new EU Aviation and Aeronautics Strategy. and possible amendments to the ETS Directive (2003/87/EC), concerning the Emission Trading Scheme for aviation. When these files are adopted by the European Commission the Irish Presidency will work to progress them insofar as possible during our Presidency of the Council.
