€1.3 million announced for Knock airport

A FUNDING allocation of €1,314,000 has been announced for Ireland West Airport Knock by Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport, Shane Ross, under the Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019.

The funding is awarded as part of the capital expenditure scheme (CAPEX) for 2016 and provides 75% grant aid to Knock airport.

It will allow the airport to undertake various safety and security projects, such as runway lighting, drainage, CCTV runway protection, generator housing, and the upgrade of existing equipment at the airport.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny commented: “This €1.3 million funding brings the total exchequer grant aid for Knock airport to over €2 million for 2016. The airport also received €760,000 under the Public Policy Remit Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme.

“A group of local authorities in the northwest region have also invested in the airport and this additional funding has started being drawn down. This group of local authorities comprises Mayo County Council along with Galway County, Galway City, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Leitrim.

“These positive steps will help ensure regional support from neighbouring counties for Knock airport as it continues to grow, with increasing passenger numbers at the airport.

“The people of Mayo have always been proud of their local airport and this funding will help to ensure the airport is in a position to continue the success story to date.”