Has the Minister any proposals to provide capital for the Connacht regional airport in 1986?

That is a separate question. I have told the board of Connacht regional airport consistently over the past year and a half, or so, that I would give them every possible assistance other than further State funds. This is what has been happening. My Department are actively trying to meet deadlines in order to allow the opening of the airport on 30 May 1986. I have every expectation that all the basic requirements will be met to allow that to happen.

Has the Minister any proposals to provide capital for the Connacht Regional Airport in 1986? In view of the fact that the airport project at Knock has progressed so well so far, would the Minister reconsider the decision not to provide any capital whatsoever for its development in 1986?

State funds of £9.8 million have been spent on the airport and another £2 million to £3 million has been spent to date. I understand that the completion of the airport would require another £2 million or more. Since January 1983 all grants made by the Exchequer must pass a commercial test — single decisions will be taken to bring some order into the way decisions are taken which would involve big financial commitments — and unfortunately the airport at Knock would not pass that test. Therefore, I cannot make available further State funds. I think the airport board accept that. What is important now is that we do everything possible to ensure that the investment made will be put to good use and that, notwithstanding all the prognosis to the contrary, the airport will achieve maximum success. I intend to do everything possible to help the airport to become a success.

Is there any application from the Department or the Government to the EC Regional Fund for capital to develop Connacht Regional Airport?

When Deputy Wilson was in Government there was a proposal put tentatively to the European Commission. It was not pressed at that time because of the vibrations they got back. Subsequent inquiries elicited similar vibrations, so it was thought prudent by successive Governments not to press the point. The most recent discussion I had in regard to the Connacht Regional Airport was many months ago. I told the board that we would go to the EC but because they were unlikely to pass the Exchequer viability test they were unlikely to pass the EC test. However, I told them that if they could give me ammunition to use in a submission to the EC I would be glad to use it. I have not seen any such ammunition.