€1.7m. allocated to Mayo airport under Regional Airports Programme

THE Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, has allocated over €21 million in direct Exchequer supports to Shannon, Cork, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Alan Dillon said Ireland West Airport has been allocated €1,787,797 under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, which provides targeted support for vital safety and security operations at the airports such as air traffic control, fire services and security, ensuring airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas.

It is anticipated that the funding, which is 41% higher than last year’s operational funding allocation, will meet 100% of all eligible salary costs in the areas of safety, security and air traffic control at the airports in 2022.

Exchequer funding provided during the Covid crisis and to date in 2022 has enabled the strong recovery of traffic through airports, and in particular the regional airports, the minister noted.

“This is evidenced by Kerry, Ireland West Airport, Cork and Shannon airports each currently outperforming Dublin Airport in terms of a faster recovery towards the pre-Covid passenger numbers achieved in 2019. As we look forward to a strong 2023, these regional airports are currently forecasting a return of passenger numbers above 2019 levels,” she said.

Deputy Dillon said Ireland’s aviation industry has recovered well following the lifting of travel restrictions in March.

“Ireland West Airport is now looking forward to a strong 2023, while our regional airports are currently forecasting a return of passenger numbers above 2019 levels,” he said.

Added Deputy Michael Ring: “I am very pleased to see the government once again recognising the importance of our regional airport and providing this substantial capital funding to it.”