6.4 Programme D – Civil Aviation

6.4 Programme D – Civil Aviation

High Level Goal: To deliver an accessible, efficient safe and sustainable Aviation system that supports communities, households and businesses.

Figure from page 30

Civil Aviation Indicative Annual Allocations

Programme D: Civil Aviation*
2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
€8.9m	€9.5m	€10m	€8.2m	€8m

*All funding is indicative and subject to annual Estimates process; rounding may affect totals.

Programme Summary

The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting international connectivity, economic development, and tourism via our airports. Furthermore, Government policy on regional airports seeks to optimise conditions for connectivity and regional development, both for the social and economic benefits that can be derived from facilitating access to and from the associated regions. It is recognised that as employers, airports contribute to the local economy; employment is also supported through the various ancillary services that are provided to airports.

Policy on regional airports is currently being implemented and delivered under an Exchequer-funded Regional Airports Programme. The Programme supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports. Eligibility for supports is determined by both average annual passenger numbers (over the preceding two financial years) and the scheduled passenger services they provide. Scheduled services must facilitate international connectivity, either directly or via another national hub airport such as Dublin.

Capital investment under the programme supports safety and security related activities, to assist airports in meeting relevant related regulatory requirements. Projects with a sustainability focus are also supported, assisting airports in meeting their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan, as well as to build resilience against the likely impact of climate change.

The Programme for Government has committed to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

Delivery Structures

Projects supported under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 will be dependent on detailed

project proposals being submitted by airports and then evaluated and assessed for eligibility and suitability for funding by the Department in Q1 in each funding year.

Funding to support approved projects will then be provided on a recoupment basis each year as projects progress and complete and at a rate in line with relevant State aid rules.

While it is likely that the majority of projects proposed for support by airports will be below €500,000 (as was the case in recent years), larger projects may also be considered. Such project proposals will be appraised in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.

In all cases the Department will be the Approving Authority, and the relevant airport will be the Sponsoring Agency.