Wednesday, 21st February 2007

€86M FUNDING FOR REGIONAL AIRPORTS
VITAL INVESTMENT FOR REGIONAL TOURISM,

Says IHF

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the €86m in capital grants allocated to the country’s six regional airports, describing the move as a vital investment in transport infrastructure to assist improve regional tourism.  The funding will facilitate upgrading and expansion of the facilities at Ireland West Airport Knock; Kerry Airport; Waterford South East Regional Airport; Donegal Airport, Sligo Airport and Galway Airport. 

The capital grants for the six regional airports, announced by the Department of Transport, are part of the €100m earmarked for these airports in the Transport 21 investment programme.  The IHF stated increased investment in regional airports should deliver increased passenger capacity and in turn grow tourism to the regions.

According to John Power, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation, regional airports have a key role to play in the strategic development of regional tourism.  The €86m funding will assist the regional spread of tourism throughout the country by allowing for easier and better access to the regions.

“With regional tourism growth under pressure it is integral that visitors are encouraged as much as possible to travel beyond key urban centres.  It is known that overseas visitors are most likely to travel to the regions when adequate transport links are in place to facilitate ease of access.  In light of this, we must be able to facilitate the movement of people easily and quickly around the country to invigorate tourism in the regions and to enable visitors maximise their time in Ireland.  The increased funding for the regional airports should substantially boost the ability of these airports to handle increased passenger numbers.  We look forward to this development generating a positive impact on regional tourism visitor numbers”, stated Mr. Power.

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Avril Collins / Siobhán Molloy                          Tel: 01 6760168
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