EirTrade Aviation initiative an example of development potential around Mayo airport

The Covid recovery plan and national development plan review offer the government a chance to support the airport board and Mayo County Council in developing, planning and marketing the SDZ as a place for business.

That's according to Mayo TD Dara Calleary.

He stated: "Ireland West Airport has been a dynamic model for Mayo and the west.

"Pre-Covid, we were planning the development of a strategic development zone, SDZ, around the airport to make more of the land asset around the airport and provide economic support, infrastructure and planning for the area. .

"I congratulate everybody involved in the EirTrade Aviation initiative.

"EirTrade Aviation is an end-of-life aviation company working on aeroplanes and beginning the construction of a hangar.

"This industry was very successful previously and can be again. It can ensure talent and skills can stay in the regions can, not just in construction but also in airline maintenance.

"Other measures can be taken in respect of Ireland West Airport Knock, given the facility it is and the size of its runway.

"Creating an international cargo hubs is one example, and the space, runway and will to do so are there.

"If government support is put in place to develop such a hub in the Covid recovery plan, the airport and management have consistently shown their ability to deliver on government priorities and will do so on this occasion.

"This would also be an opportunity to properly develop the western rail corridor, from Athenry to Claremorris and up to Sligo, by developing a rail connection to Ireland West Airport and connecting the western rail corridor to Shannon Airport.

"Linking our two airports on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Atlantic economic corridor by rail would enhance their attractiveness as destinations for inward and outward journeys and enhance the attractiveness of the western rail corridor project.

"Notwithstanding the flawed EY and JASPERS reviews, the project is still economically viable and can be the backbone for the regeneration of the western economy.

"It would also substantially reduce carbon. Linking the corridor to our airports to encourage people to use rail would be a way of doing that.

"We can do so much more with the regional airport network, particularly the non-State regional airport network.

"We can use the innovation and ingenuity which its management have shown in response to tight resources to regrow the network.

"The priorities have been laid out in the aviation recovery plan."