Ireland West Airport welcomes recommendations of top level aviation report

Ireland West Airport has welcomed the publication by the joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications Networks of its aviation report focusing on issues affecting the aviation industry.

The report examined three main areas of concern to ensure the recovery and sustainability of this important sector.

They were:

1. Impact of Covid-19 on the aviation sector.

2. Airport testing and the EU Traffic Light system.

3. The medium term policy approach to developing the Irish aviation sector.

A statement issued by the Mayo airport outlined: "We thank the chairman of the committee, Deputy Kieran O' Donnell, and the various committee members and elected representatives who contributed to the report.

"Ireland West Airport was pleased to be part of the Oireachtas hearings and support the committee's recommendations regarding regional balance and the critical requirement for ongoing financial support for regional airports."

The key recommendations are:

•The immediate advancement of further necessary state supports to Irish airports to ensure their viability and survival, as well as state funding for strategic air routes.

Furthermore, that the government engages with the European Commission to seek a derogation from State Aid rules for emergency funding to Irish airports.

•That the Airport Charges Rebate Scheme be extended to September 2021, with a review or scaling down thereafter.

•That the new Regional Airports Programme be finalised in order to give certainty to regional airports as they plan for re-establishing growth and sustainability.

Furthermore, that Cork and Shannon airports be admitted to the 2020 to 2025 programmes for CapEX & OpEx.