€2.46m Grant Aid for Donegal Airport – Cope


Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP has confirmed that Mr Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport, has approved grants totalling €2.462 million for capital works at Donegal Airport, Carrickfinn.

It is proposed to replace the Full Instrument Landing System at a cost of approximately €400,000. The existing system has been in place since the establishment of the airport.

It is also proposed to reconfigure and overlay the runway together with other necessary safety works being carried out. The cost of these works is estimated to be in the region of €2.3m.

The Minister has confirmed to Pat the Cope that the Department will fund 90% of the cost of the project. It is expected that tenders will be invited in the near future and works will be completed later in the year. The remainder of the cost will be met by Donegal Airport.

Donegal Airport currently provides two daily flights to Dublin and three weekly flights to Glasgow, with a fourth service commencing 22nd May. The weekly Donegal to Rotterdam flight will recommence from 22nd May and run until September.

Pat the Cope has described the announcement as “great news for the future of Donegal Airport, which is vital to the economic, tourism, social and cultural life of the region”.

He paid tribute to the management and staff at Donegal Airport for their commitment and dedication. He also paid tribute to users of the airport who continue to make it a viable business and he encouraged them to continue to do so.

Pat the Cope concluded by thanking Minister Dempsey for his commitment to Donegal Airport.

ENDS
13/04/2010