It's likely that the threat to Search and Rescue operations in the North West will be averted.
Sligo Leitrim TD Deputy Marian Harkin had raised concerns the the government was not prepared to provide funding to carry out runway and lighting works at Sligo Airport, Strandhill, required by the end of January, despite similar allocations made to Waterford airport last year.
Following a meeting attended by local Minister Frank Feighan, Marc MacSharry and Marian Harkin TDs, Department of Transport Airport Division officials, The Irish Coast Guard and representatives of the Sligo Airport Board of Directors a mechanism has been identified whereby funding can be provided to assist Sligo with these essential capital works.
Minister Feighan says that he will be working with his Oireachtas colleagues over the coming days to ensure that funding will be delivered to Sligo Airport to support the Search and Rescue base there without further delay.
