Almost €8m allocated to Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports
Almost €8m in Exchequer funding has been allocated to three regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.
The funding has been allocated to Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports.
Ireland West (Knock) is to be allocated €5.664m, Kerry will receive €1.813m and Donegal will get €0.346m for a total of €7.823m in funding.
The funds will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at the three airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien that among the 33 projects being supported this year are Solar PV projects which will see the expanded production of electricity from renewable sources at Donegal Airport and the installation of a solar PV farm at Ireland West Airport.
"Other significant investments include new safety and security upgrades at Kerry and Donegal airports as well as the continuation of the Aerodrome Fire Training Centre and Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade projects at Ireland West Airport," the Minister said.
Mr O'Brien said this level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to the country's regional airports which facilitate connectivity.
"The targeted Exchequer funding provided by my Department to this sector has supported strong growth in passenger numbers, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports last year 7% above 2023 levels. This positive trajectory has continued this year with 6% growth in passenger traffic across regional airports in the first quarter," he added.
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