MINISTER WANTS TO STOP REGIONAL AIRPORT SUBSIDIES

Date Published: 10-Nov-2011

Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar, says it was "political cowardice" that there is an airport for almost every county in the West and South West.

He plans to completely phase out subsidies for regional airports, saying none of them were making money and expected to be covered by the taxpayer.

According to The Irish Times, he says some regional airports can make it on their own such as Knock and Kerry.

The Minister's comments come as Corrib Airport Limited, which operates Galway Airport recorded a profit of almost 60 thousand euro last year.

This is after receiving a 1.8 million euro grant from the Government.

Aer Arann ceased its winter schedule at Galway airport at the end of October, effectively closing the facility for the winter.