Dublin Fingal TD and Fine Gael Spokesperson for Climate Action, Alan Farrell TD, has welcomed news that Dublin airport will benefit from a €80m funding package, announced today.
Deputy Farrell said, “Today’s announcement is of great significance to the aviation industry in Ireland and all those who rely on it for travel or employment. The overall package amounts to €80m and Dublin Airport will be benefit from a €20m fund allocated for the Airport Charge Rebate Scheme. As this €20m is classified as State Aid it will rely on approval from the EU Commission.”
“The funding will help sustain jobs in the aviation industry and the businesses that rely on a thriving aviation industry. In Dublin Fingal, we all know people who rely on a strong airline Sector for employment and this funding will make a positive impact.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “I am pleased that the Government is acting on this matter, the recent report submitted to Government, by the Aviation Recovery Taskforce, had specifically called for the these measures and I believe they will help businesses weather this storm.”
Deputy Farrell added, “Today’s funding announcement will be in addition to the measures already announced in Budget 2021.”
Commenting on the announcement Minister Eamon Ryan said, “ “The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that Aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large scale return to air travel, but we remain committed to ensuring that the aviation sector can maintain the necessary core capability to retain strategic connectivity and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.”
Minister Hildegarde Naughton also said of the funding package, “Today’s decision to provide additional supports to our airports further demonstrates the Government’s intention to protect and preserve Ireland’s strategic connectivity. This year and into 2021 the State will have provided in excess of €180m in supports for the aviation sector. The funding package being announced today will ensure that our regional airports can maintain the necessary core capability to conserve strategic connectivity and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.”