From Department of Transport
Minister Ryan and Minister of State Naughton have today announced that the European Commission has given approval under EU State aid rules, for a €26 million Irish aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state aid package includes
compensation of approximately €20m for State airports in light of the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on these airports in 2020.Minister Ryan said that “This funding will provide the airports of Dublin, Shannon and Cork with the flexibility to roll out route incentives /charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity when circumstances allow”.
Minister Naughton added that “In recognition of the continuing difficulty being faced by our smallest regional airports that provide connectivity, up to €6m will also be available to Knock, Kerry and Donegal airports under the EU Temporary Framework in light of the severe impact of COVID-19 on their businesses.”
This aid is part of the €80 million funding package agreed by Government in November 2020, specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. Also provided in that package is €21.3 million for the Regional Airports Programme and €32.1 million for a new COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme. Under these programmes, the airports of Donegal, Kerry, Knock, Cork and Shannon will have access to capital and operational supports in 2021.
In addition to this funding, over €200 million in horizontal support has also been provided to airports and airlines to date, through inter alia, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and commercial rates waiver. Government has confirmed that these general supports will now be extended until the end of June 2021.
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