Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless TD, has announced funding allocations totalling over €4.2m to support Shannon and Cork Regional State airports in 2024. The announcement came as he met with Mary Considine, Chief Executive Officer of Shannon Airport Group, as part of his ministerial responsibility for aviation. This was a productive meeting which included discussion of the pressing issue of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Ms Considine informed the Minister that Shannon Airport, which currently handles just over 2 million passengers per year, stands ready to accept up to 5 million. Ms Considine also noted that Shannon Airport could facilitate up to 10 million passengers with an upgrade to the current Terminal. This would allow Shannon Airport to meet the needs of business and tourism in the region.
The funding for Shannon and Cork airports is being allocated under the new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, which was announced by the Minister on the 16th of July as part of the high-level outcomes under the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This new programme was developed to mirror the sustainability objective under the Regional Airports Programme, to support Regional State airports to reach their carbon reduction targets and build resilience against climate change.
Commenting on the funding announcement, the CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said, “We are delighted to welcome this €1.935 million grant aid for Shannon Airport under the government’s new Regional State Airports Sustainability funding programme. This investment will be invaluable in supporting two projects under our Sustainability Strategy, our solar PV farm and the upgrade of our water system.”
“The strategic location of the solar farm within our airfield will allow the airport to decrease its reliance on energy from the national grid, decrease its use of fossil-fuels, and increase its capacity for on-site renewable electricity generation. When complete and operating at full capacity, the solar farm will provide up to 15-20% of the airport’s current electrical demand from renewable energy. The government support announced today by Minister Lawless is much appreciated and will assist us on our journey at Shannon Airport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. It will augment our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations.”
Commenting on the announcement, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, TD said, “I am pleased to announce these funding allocations, which will contribute towards capital investment in Solar PV Farms at both Shannon and Cork airports. These projects, the first of their kind to be funded at our regional airports, when complete will provide up to 25% of these airports’ current electrical demand from renewable energy. The arrays will also enable future expansion, allowing airports to decrease reliance on energy from the national grid over time by increasing capacity for on-site generation. A water system upgrade project is also being supported at Shannon Airport. In addition, the replacement of diesel-powered ground power units with electric models at Cork Airport is being supported.”
The Minister went on to say, “This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to both Shannon and Cork Regional State airports being well positioned to meet their carbon reduction emissions targets as they move towards net zero. Ireland has established good connectivity with the UK, Europe, and America through our regional airports. These Exchequer funding allocations announced today for Shannon and Cork Regional State airports, as well as funding provided to all regional airports to date, has enabled this connectivity and strong growth in our regions.”
