Major win for Ireland West Airport Knock

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030, highlighting the significant benefits for Ireland West Airport Knock, including continued eligibility for State support and a new, more flexible funding model that will allow the airport to grow without penalty.

Minister Dillon said the updated Programme represents “a major step forward for Knock Airport and for the entire West and North West region,” ensuring that the airport can continue to access essential capital and operational supports even as passenger numbers increase.

A key change secured in the new programme is the introduction of a stepped eligibility system, meaning Knock Airport will not lose access to State support if passenger numbers exceed one million. Instead, support will continue on a tapered basis up to three million passengers, giving the airport the certainty it needs to plan for growth, investment, and new routes.

Minister Dillon highlighted that the Regional Airports Programme will play a key enabling role for the Knock SDZ, which aims to deliver a major employment, innovation, and enterprise hub adjacent to the airport.

“The SDZ represents one of the most important regional development opportunities in the West,” he said. “A strong, well supported airport is central to unlocking its full potential. The Programme announced today ensures that Knock Airport can continue to grow sustainably, attract new investment, and support the long term vision for the SDZ.” 

He added that enhanced airport infrastructure, improved connectivity, and strengthened governance requirements under the Programme will “align directly with the SDZ’s objectives to drive job creation, attract enterprise, and support balanced regional development.” 

The Department of Transport has confirmed that under the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, developed as part of the recent National Development Plan (NDP) Review, almost €45 million in capital investment will be allocated to regional airports between 2026 and 2030.

In 2026 alone, the Programme will provide:

- €9 million in capital supports

- €10 million in current funding, bringing the total available for regional airports next year to over €19 million.

Minister Dillon stated: “The Programme for Government committed to sustained investment in our regional airports and the delivery of a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030. Today’s publication fulfils that commitment.

For Ireland West Airport Knock, this is a particularly important milestone. The updated framework ensures that Knock will remain eligible for support even as passenger numbers grow. The new stepped system—running from one million up to three million passengers—encourages commercial expansion while ensuring that State supports remain targeted and proportionate. This is a major boost for the airport, for regional connectivity, and for balanced economic development across the West.” 

Minister Dillon also welcomed the Programme’s enhanced governance and evaluation requirements:

- Major capital projects will now be subject to strengthened oversight.

- Projects over €20 million will require a full Project Outline Document before approval.

- An economic impact study must be completed by the end of 2027, enabling Ireland West Airport to clearly demonstrate its contribution to the region in terms of connectivity, employment, tourism, and foreign direct investment.

Minister Dillon concluded: “This renewed investment will help maximise the use of existing airport capacity, support the Knock SDZ, and reinforce critical regional infrastructure. Supporting our airports is central to balanced national development, and the Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030 ensures that regional Ireland remains well connected and well supported into the future.” 

The Programme will continue to fund safety and security infrastructure, operational supports, and environmental sustainability projects at eligible airports.