Kerry Airport funding
Michael Healy-Rae seeks increased Government funding for Kerry Airport under the programme for Government; the Taoiseach points to its continuing public service obligation and says its performance will be monitored.
I congratulate the Taoiseach and the 11,000 people who cycled the Ring of Kerry at the weekend.
On building engagement between the Government and regional airport management, the Government will seek to invest an additional €10 million to intensify efforts to properly prepare our regional airports for a future where they can operate on a stand-alone commercial basis. This new investment will be in addition to the €28 million already committed. As the Taoiseach knows, this is in the programme for Government. What proposals does he have in place to provide increased additional funding to Kerry Airport in Farranfore, County Kerry?
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I thank the Deputy for his comment. I think I saw a white van parked discreetly but conspicuously beyond the Dooks golf club on the side of the road, with the name of a public representative on it. Even on Saturdays, Deputy Healy-Rae is active.
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As someone said, there is nothing wrong with the Taoiseach's eyesight.
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Deputy Healy-Rae will be aware of the Minister's decision a couple of years ago to continue the public service obligation for Kerry Airport, which is of immense help to it for its connections and air traffic numbers passing through. That is a matter for continual monitoring and we hope that Kerry Airport will continue to improve in visitor numbers.