Knock airport gets extra funding of €868,569

THE Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has announced that additional funding of €868,569 is being allocated to Ireland West Airport Knock for 2016.

The funding has been awarded under the Public Policy Remit Operational Expenditure Subvention (PPR-O) Scheme.

Operational expenditure funding is awarded in respect of wages and salaries assessed as being in accordance with the scheme.

This is in addition to the €1.3 million of capital funding announced in September and the €760,000 awarded in April 2016 under the Public Policy Remit Capital Expenditure.

In total, just under €3 million of government funding has been awarded to Knock Airport in 2016.

Welcoming the news, Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated: 'Christmas is always a special time at any airport as thousands make that journey home.

“This year, 30,000 passengers are expected to make use of the airport. It is this time of year that reminds us of the importance of our airport and this is particularly welcome news for Knock Airport in the closing days of our special centenary year.

“My government has awarded just under €3 million under various schemes to Ireland West Airport Knock throughout 2016.

“I am delighted that passengers numbers continue to grow and so much so, this Christmas will be their busiest yet. Well done to the staff and management at Knock on their excellent work at developing the airport and I look forward to working with them into the future.'