The Government has announced capital grants totalling €86m for the country's six regional airports.
Under the programme of investment, Ireland West Airport at Knock will receive €27m, including €17m for a major aircraft parking area and terminal building extension.
Kerry Airport will receive €17.7m, while Waterford Airport will receive €22.3m, Donegal will receive €3.8m, Sligo is to get €8.5m and Galway €6.3m.
Making the announcement, the Minister for Transport said the funding 'would be sufficient to encourage the airports concerned to achieve the ambitious targets that they have set for themselves and accordingly, to enhance their contribution to the regions they serve'.
Minister Cullen also confirmed that he met Fianna Fail backbench TDs this morning in relation to the debt of Cork Airport. Mr Cullen briefed them on his position and said that it was still possible for Cork Airport to be debt free if it wished to be.
The Minister said that the government parties are at one on the issue, and there has been no change in the Government's position.
On the industrial relations problems at Shannon Airport, the Minister said he was frustrated that a conclusion had not been reached in the discussions facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission.
He said the Government welcomed this morning's comments by both sides that if there were to be substantive engagement between them, the issue could be addressed. However, he added, there are serious issues facing Shannon Airport.
