Mayo airport secures €3.66m. for further investment in facilities
Ireland West Airport is to receive €3.66 million in government funding to support further capital works and facilities at the airport.
The news has been welcomed by Minister of State Dara Calleary, Minister of State Alan Dillon and Deputy Michael Ring.
The funding is consistent with the Programme for Government pledge to deliver capital programmes required to support services and ensure safety at all our regional airports, including Ireland West.
Minister Calleary stated: “This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance government attaches to Ireland West Airport and to ensuring that it is being well positioned for growth.
"Ireland West Airport has established excellent connectivity with the UK, Europe and now the USA, via Heathrow.
"Minister Jack Chambers has been very committed to Ireland West Airport since his appointment and I wish to acknowledge that.
“Once again I want to acknowledge the huge work of Joe Gilmore and the staff team at IWAK, to the chair Arthur French and board members and to all the stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of IWAK."
Minister Dillon said: “This allocation will contribute towards capital investment in safety and security at the airports, including the commencement of an Aerodrome Fire Training Centre at the Mayo airport facility.
"It will also support projects with a sustainability focus. This will assist the airport in meeting their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.”
“This investment reinforces the importance and value the government places on the role of our regional airports in supporting tourism and jobs, and this funding is essential in ensuring Knock Airport has the sufficient support needed to continue providing their important services.
"The airport is now looking forward to a successful summer with indications that there will be high numbers of visitors to the airport.”
Deputy Ring said: "This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance government attaches to our regional airports being well positioned for growth.
"Ireland has established good connectivity with the UK, Europe and America via our five regional airports."
Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers has reaffirmed her intention to prioritise the development of Ireland West Airport Knock at the European level if elected in the European Parliament elections next June.
She stated: "This funding boost is a leap forward for our region, enhancing not just the airport's facilities but also securing its future as a central hub for international travel, tourism, and business.
"I will continue to advocate for such crucial investments, ensuring that our regional infrastructure meets the demands of growth and progress."
Local election candidate Alma Gallagher has also welcomed the news.
Ms. Gallagher, who proposed and passed a recent motion at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis to continue to support regional airports specifically Ireland West Airport, said: "A far cry from the 8,000 visitors in the early days, Ireland West Airport has generated €140 million in tourism revenue, created 200 jobs, one million bed nights annually and supports 6,000 jobs.
"And as the cost of living crisis loomed, January to June 2023 saw a record number of passengers, 367,000 passengers to be exact pass through its doors."
The following is the summary of the approved works at Ireland West Airport:
Climate Adaptation/Mitigation Plan
Study for a solar PV farm
Runway and apron rubber removal and marking
Electrical fuel bowser
Airside supplies and deliveries x-ray machine
Nav aid equipment
Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGLs)
Three Liquid Explosive Detection Equipment (LEDs)
Security patrol vehicle
Airfield upgrade works
Major fire tender
Sustainability master plan (ACA Level 3)
Aerodrome fire training centre.