Capital funding of over €9 million has been announced for the State's six regional airports.
The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, announced the specific allocations which form the first round of funding to the regional airports under the National Development Plan for the year 2002-2003. According to the Minister, there will be a further round of funding for 2004-2006 following the mid-term review of the NDP next year.
The funding is for improvement works and upgrades in facilities. The largest allocation goes to Knock, which will receive €2,145,000. Galway airport will receive €1,738,000, and Kerry almost exactly the same amount, at €1,739,000.
Waterford will receive €1,895,000 and Donegal regional airport will receive €979,000. Sligo has been allocated €708,000.
In addition, each airport will receive grants for marketing, safety and security projects.