The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed that £7 million is to be provided to help maintain services at the City of Derry Airport.

Concerns about the continued financial viability of running the airport have been raised ever since Ryanair - the airport's main carrier - axed flights to London and reduced the number of services it operates to Liverpool.

In order to keep this key transport hub running, up to £2.5 million in route development support will be provided by the regional government, while a further £4.5 million in capital investment will be provided in partnership with Derry and Strabane District Council, designed to help create high-value jobs and training opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Executive has also confirmed that advanced talks are being held with another airline to replace some of the former Ryanair routes and services.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Our package of support will ultimately allow the airport to plan for the future and remain a key part of the transport infrastructure for Northern Ireland."