Menu
07/10/2022
Lyons Approves Work To Improve International Air Connectivity
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has approved the start of work on developing and designing a new Northern Ireland Route Development Scheme (NIRDS).
Building on the success of the Northern Ireland Domestic Aviation Kickstart Scheme (NIDAKS) in 2021, which supported NI's domestic connectivity with the GB mainland across all three NI airports, the new Route Development Scheme will be aimed at securing new European, transatlantic, and Middle Eastern routes direct to NI.
Introducing the new scheme Minister Lyons said: "Maintaining and enhancing our domestic and international air connectivity is essential to rebuilding Northern Ireland's economy. That is why I am pleased to announce that my Department is moving forward with the development and design of a new NIRDS.
"The new Scheme aims to develop our international connectivity, in order to drive inbound tourism and Foreign Direct Investment, both of which are vital to the local economy. It is envisaged that the NIRDS would encompass European, transatlantic and Middle Eastern routes. As per NIDAKS, this will be a complex and complicated process, requiring time and focus to ensure the Scheme is attractive to potential airlines.
"Therefore, I envisage that the unprecedented support from the NIRDS is likely to be available during the financial year 2023-24, at the earliest. This will be subject to the business case demonstrating Value for Money and my Department securing the multi-year funding and appropriate approvals.
"I believe the future for Northern Ireland is positive and I will continue to do what I can to ensure this. I remain fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our domestic and international air connectivity."
Building on the success of the Northern Ireland Domestic Aviation Kickstart Scheme (NIDAKS) in 2021, which supported NI's domestic connectivity with the GB mainland across all three NI airports, the new Route Development Scheme will be aimed at securing new European, transatlantic, and Middle Eastern routes direct to NI.
Introducing the new scheme Minister Lyons said: "Maintaining and enhancing our domestic and international air connectivity is essential to rebuilding Northern Ireland's economy. That is why I am pleased to announce that my Department is moving forward with the development and design of a new NIRDS.
"The new Scheme aims to develop our international connectivity, in order to drive inbound tourism and Foreign Direct Investment, both of which are vital to the local economy. It is envisaged that the NIRDS would encompass European, transatlantic and Middle Eastern routes. As per NIDAKS, this will be a complex and complicated process, requiring time and focus to ensure the Scheme is attractive to potential airlines.
"Therefore, I envisage that the unprecedented support from the NIRDS is likely to be available during the financial year 2023-24, at the earliest. This will be subject to the business case demonstrating Value for Money and my Department securing the multi-year funding and appropriate approvals.
"I believe the future for Northern Ireland is positive and I will continue to do what I can to ensure this. I remain fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our domestic and international air connectivity."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2014
89 Belfast Jobs Announced
89 jobs are to be created in Belfast after US company Revel Systems announced it is to establish a European sales and support centre in the city. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: "I am delighted that Revel System’s have decided to open their European headquarters here in Belfast.
89 Belfast Jobs Announced
89 jobs are to be created in Belfast after US company Revel Systems announced it is to establish a European sales and support centre in the city. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: "I am delighted that Revel System’s have decided to open their European headquarters here in Belfast.
23 March 2004
Easyjet expansion to create 200 new jobs
Up to 200 new jobs are set to be created following an announcement that easyjet is to introduce four new routes from Belfast International Airport to Europe.
Easyjet expansion to create 200 new jobs
Up to 200 new jobs are set to be created following an announcement that easyjet is to introduce four new routes from Belfast International Airport to Europe.
18 April 2013
O'Neill Guest Speaker At Rural Community Meeting
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill was guest speaker at a meeting to discuss the recent snow storm which affected rural communities across Northern Ireland.
O'Neill Guest Speaker At Rural Community Meeting
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill was guest speaker at a meeting to discuss the recent snow storm which affected rural communities across Northern Ireland.
28 September 2007
Campaigners Seek Reversal Of Aer Lingus Move To Belfast
Aer Lingus should be forced to reverse the decision to move the Shannon-Heathrow route to Belfast, according to a major opinion poll. The poll, conducted by Landsdowne Market Research, found that an overwhelming amount of people in the western region of the Republic disagree with the airline's decision.
Campaigners Seek Reversal Of Aer Lingus Move To Belfast
Aer Lingus should be forced to reverse the decision to move the Shannon-Heathrow route to Belfast, according to a major opinion poll. The poll, conducted by Landsdowne Market Research, found that an overwhelming amount of people in the western region of the Republic disagree with the airline's decision.
11 April 2006
Government announce 'flexible' police pension scheme
A modernised police pension scheme has been announced that is designed to be more flexible and which will fit around modern lifestyles and working patterns of police officers. The new Scheme follows a period of consultation and development by the Home Office, the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Office.
Government announce 'flexible' police pension scheme
A modernised police pension scheme has been announced that is designed to be more flexible and which will fit around modern lifestyles and working patterns of police officers. The new Scheme follows a period of consultation and development by the Home Office, the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Office.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night, or a few fog patches in prone spots.. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
