5. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if work has commenced on a new State aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23069/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I ask the Minister to provide an update on the new State aviation policy and also provide more information on the process of the review that he mentioned earlier.

Sentiment score: 0.00

As has been said, it is ten years since the State aviation policy was updated so I hope it is something that can be progressed as quickly as possible. The national planning framework, which came before us recently, made very limited reference to the role that the State’s regional airports will play into the future. The development of these airports must be a clear strategic priority, especially in the context of balanced regional growth. When we consider that over 84% of all flights in the State are processed through Dublin Airport, there is clearly underutilisation of our regional airports, which are predominantly in the west and include those at Shannon and Knock. This means less tourism in the west of Ireland. It means our infrastructure continues to lag behind the rest of the country. I cautiously welcome the comments of the Minister on the review but I ask him to provide a clear timeline on when this will be finalised. We do need the review as soon as possible. It is most important that it rectifies the current imbalance and ensures greater utilisation of these airports.

Sentiment score: 0.28

I thank the Minister. I met representatives of Shannon Airport recently. I am also on the cross-party Oireachtas group. Obviously every airport wants more airlines but they also want support in terms of policy from the Minister. They want the State aviation policy to reflect the need to develop regional airports. I want to raise the issue of bus and rail links to airports, in particular Shannon Airport and Knock airport. It is key to supporting their development. Will bus and rail links to regional airports be considered as part of any review? On this issue, it was raised with me recently that additional Bus Éireann Expressway services between Galway and Shannon Airport this summer are being outsourced to private operators. Before this decision was made the NBRU in Galway drafted two comprehensive operational plans that would see existing Bus Éireann resources and personnel deliver these required services but Bus Éireann has not engaged with the NBRU's proposals and has maintained its decision to outsource the services. Will the Minister outline the Government's view on the privatisation of bus services, especially in the context of the services I have mentioned?

Sentiment score: 0.11