asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to complete the plan to lengthen the Derry City Airport runway; and when the Government of the Republic of Ireland first offered to share the cost of this project. [HL1890]

Derry City Council is undertaking safety-related improvements at City of Derry Airport, including lengthening of the runway end safety areas, to allow full use to be made of the existing runway pavement. The council no plans to lengthen the existing runway. It expects these works to be completed by the end of 2007.

In March 2005, the Government of the Republic of Ireland agreed in principle to joint funding for this project, subject to the council meeting a number of conditions. Subsequently, on 24 January 2007, the Irish Government confirmed the total amount of their contribution, which includes increased provision to meet property price inflation and additional engineering costs.