Significant funding boost for Ireland West Airport Knock

Funding of €5.6m will provide a significant boost for Ireland West Airport Knock under the Regional Airports Programme, said Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Alan Dillon TD.

Combined funding of nearly €8m to support eligible regional airports in Donegal (€0.3m), Kerry (€1.8m) and Ireland West Airport (Knock) was announced today.

Minister Dillon said: “Ireland West Airport allocation of €5.6 million under the Regional Airports Programme will contribute towards capital investment in safety and security as well as the installation of a solar PV farm at the airport. This reflects an increase of €2m on last year’s allocation. It will also progress further the Aerodrome Fire Training Centre and Electrical Infrastructure upgrade project at Ireland West Airport, Knock.” 

Minister Dillon added: “I am pleased to confirm that the funding allocated to Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) will support a range of critical infrastructure and sustainability projects, including:

- Upgrades to security systems 

- Development of updated Air Traffic Control (ATC) charts 

- Enhancements to electrical infrastructure 

- Establishment of an Aerodrome Fire Training Centre 

- Installation of a Solar PV farm 

- Procurement of an electric hi-loader 

- Acquisition of an electric Ground Power Unit (GPU) 

- Introduction of an electric ambulift 

- Replacement of the ATC engineering vehicle 

- Improvements to Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems (AGLS) 

- Progression to Level 4 of the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme 

"While many of these initiatives incorporate environmental benefits, several are specifically focused on advancing sustainability—most notably, the development of a Solar PV farm at the airport.

"This investment underscores the Government’s strong commitment to supporting our regional airports, which play a vital role in promoting tourism and sustaining local employment. The funding ensures that Knock Airport has the resources it needs to continue delivering essential services. With a busy summer season ahead, the airport is well-positioned to welcome a high volume of visitors.”