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Bord Snip Nua Report spells end for Sligo Airport?

Posted on July 17, 2009 | Filed Under Environment 

The Bord Snip Nua report specifically recommends the cutting of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) grants for Regional Air Services with effect from the end of current agreement in 2010.

They also recommend the discontinuance of “Operational Grants for Regional Airports”

The report also recommends immediate cancellation of capital grants scheduled to be paid out as stated in the following quote:

The Group [Bord Snip] is strongly of the view that the cancellation of the two aviation schemes outlined above should be linked to the capital grants scheme for regional airports. Approved by Government in 2007, under the scheme each of the six regional airports is set to receive capital grants ranging from €4m to €27m. A significant reduction in budgeted expenditure for this scheme should be achieved.

Sligo Airport benefits directly from the €2.7 million per year paid to Aer Arann to fly the Dublin/Sligo/Dublin route into Sligo Airport. The Airport is also in receipt of operational grants each year.

Sligo airport were to receive a further capital grant of €8.5 million towards the cost of building a runway extension on Dorrrins Strand and for the erection of security fencing and new aviation lights.

Clearly the controversial project of building a runway on a public beach now seems in danger.

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One Response to “Bord Snip Nua Report spells end for Sligo Airport?”

  1. James R on July 22nd, 2009 9:35 am

    If the current economic situation continues we will be lucky to have any feasible airport in the North West. It’s time we got real on sustainable regional planning in this country, we simply don’t have the critical mass to support an airport in every county, and our politicians need to be honest with the people and make the hard decisions that will benefit us in the long term.

    We should focus on growing one strong western airport, and Ireland West Airport already has the infrastructure and services to provide growing sustainable international air access into the western region. I think any remaining development money should go into providing improved roads and public transport there.

    Strandhill might be better off focusing on the private aviation market where it could have a more certain future.

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