Major news for Mayo's Ireland West Airport Knock

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister, Darragh O’Brien, of an allocation of €8 million in Exchequer funding to Regional Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

Included in this allocation is €2.834 million for Ireland West Airport.

Minister Calleary said:

“I want to warmly welcome this funding for Ireland West Airport, announced today by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien. This funding will support capital investment in the areas of safety and security while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting Ireland West Airport to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.” 

As the airport approaches its 40th Anniversary, I want to thank most sincerely Joe and all the team at Ireland West. They continue to deliver for the west of Ireland and their commitment to continually improving this vital piece of infrastructure is commendable.” 

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, added:

“I am pleased to allocate almost €8 million in capital funding this year to support Shannon, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports. This level of targeted support, provided under this Government’s new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional airports. This funding will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across our regional airports.

“The funding will also enable the completion of a solar PV farm project at Ireland West Airport, which will provide the airport with electricity from renewable resources.” 

“I’m pleased to see Shannon Airport now included in this programme, in addition to Ireland West Airport, Kerry and Donegal. These airports are critical pieces of national infrastructure and this investment will aid them as they continue to grow sustainably.”