On Thursday, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien announced that €4 million in Exchequer funding is being allocated to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This operational funding is being allocated to eligible regional airports at Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal, as follows:
2025 Operational Funding Allocations
| Airport | Grant Allocation |
| Ireland West | € 1.9m |
| Kerry | € 1.4m |
| Donegal | € 0.7m |
| Total | € 4.0m |
The Regional Airports Programme provides support to Ireland’s smallest airports i.e., those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years).
In addition to targeting funding at safety- and security-related projects and activities, the Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build resilience against climate change.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: “I am pleased to announce €4 million in operational funding to Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports. Funding will support payroll costs in air traffic control, fire services and security screening at these airports this year.”
The announced funding is in addition to the €7.8 million in capital supports announced for these airports earlier this year. This targeted Exchequer funding has supported strong growth in connectivity to the regional airport. Overall passenger traffic across these airports from January to the end of September this year has increased by 11%, when compared with the same period last year.
The Minister went on to say: “The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting international connectivity, economic development, and tourism via our airports. While today’s announcement marks the last round of funding under the current Programme, this Government has committed to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority for publication in the new year.”
