City of Derry Airport to get £3m funding

City of Derry Airport has been largely funded by the ratepayer until now

The Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced £3m in funding for City of Derry Airport for this financial year.

He said it would support the operational running of the airport while the Department for the Economy prepares to take over that responsibility from next April.

Earlier this week, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said his department intended to assume responsibility for the running costs from 1 April 2025.

O’Dowd said the airport was a critical infrastructure asset in the north west region and was fundamental to business and tourism in the area.

John O'Dowd announced the airport funding on Tuesday

The airport is owned by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and costs ratepayers £3.45m to help pay operational costs.

"The confirmation of funding for this financial year will allow the airport to continue to operate while the Department for the Economy makes longer term plans for the future sustainability of the airport," O'Dowd said.

DCSDC has previously raised concerns over future funding.

A council spokeswoman told BBC News NI that DCSDC had submitted a business case in April 2021 “aimed at securing a contribution towards the operational running costs of this important facility in line with the significant central government support provided to regional airports throughout Europe”.

She added: “Council and City of Derry Airport officials have been and are continuing to engage with relevant government departments in relation to the detailed arrangements for the funding.”