To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on Northern Ireland of the operation of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.
Answered on
22 October 2014
Airports across the UK play an important role in securing connectivity for local populations and contribute to local, regional and national economies. The aviation sector’s economic output to the whole UK economy in 2011 was approximately £18 billion, and it employs around 220,000 workers directly and supports many more indirectly. The Government has not made an assessment of the potential effects on Northern Ireland of the operation of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund. Airports in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for support from the Fund if they meet the qualifying criteria.