€16 million in Capital Funding for Regional Airports
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, has announced the allocation of almost €16.4 million in Exchequer funding to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. Nearly €6.6 million has been allocated to the regional airports at Donegal, Ireland West (Knock) and Kerry and over €9.8 million have been allocated to the regional State airports at Shannon and Cork. The allocations will contribute towards capital investment in safety and security at airports, whilst also supporting projects with a sustainability focus.
Commenting on the announcement of funding for the airports, the Minister, Hildegarde Naughton said, “Government has maintained a strong commitment to the aviation sector during the COVID-19 crisis and has allocated an unprecedented €161 million in aviation specific supports, in 2021 alone, to our airports. I am delighted today to be building on this commitment, as Irish aviation enters the recovery period. Today’s announcement represents Government’s commitment to continue to support Ireland’s regional airports to remain financially sustainable as they prepare for growth into the future. This capital funding will support a great number of safety and security related capital projects, ensuring that airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas. I am pleased to announce also that, in line with the broadening of the scope of the Programme, a significant number of this year’s projects have a sustainability focus, facilitating the sustainable growth of the sector.”
A positive reaction came from the airports with the Chairman at Ireland West Airport, Arthur French saying, “We welcome today’s announcement of funding by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, which will assist the airport in undertaking critically important safety and security related projects this year. This funding will support the latest phase of our airport transformation programme aimed at both futureproofing the airport and ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our customers as we prepare for a significant increase in demand for international travel this summer and for the remainder of 2022. I wish to thank the Taoiseach, Ministers Ryan and in particular, our local Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, who works tirelessly in supporting this airport and region and also to our local TDs, political representatives and the Western Chambers for their strong support for the airport and the regions it serves.”
Also commenting was the Acting Managing Director at Cork Airport, Roy O’Driscoll who added, “Cork Airport hugely welcomes the continued Government support in the form of €5.46m capital funding for 2022. This investment complements the €40m being invested by daa at Cork Airport since 2019. The construction of a new electrical substation this year will see the completion of our airfield upgrades following the successful runway reconstruction last year. This year, Cork Airport will serve over 40 routes and welcome over two million passengers, representing a 77% recovery on 2019. This investment by the Government on vital safety and sustainability projects will ensure our recovery in 2022 and beyond and future proof Cork Airport’s infrastructure for many years to come.”
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