Funding call to progress strategic development zone at Knock airport

A PROPOSAL calling for an application to be made for capital funding to develop the strategic development zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport received support at an economic and enterprise committee meeting today.

Councillor Neil Cruise has called on Mayo County Council to put all the necessary plans and reports in place and to prepare an application to the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, category one, for capital works to develop the SDZ at the airport.

He told the council's Economic Development, Enterprise Support, Planning and Marine Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) said they needed to think micro and macro and he wanted to see an application to develop the zone and put some of the infrastructure in place so it's not as big an issue for different companies who may want to locate there.

They had been told there was the potential to create 4-5,000 jobs at the airport zone.

They had to go past the talking about the potential now, he said, and put in for significant funding.

Ireland West Airport was described as the jewel in the crown for county Mayo and the province and this would send out a positive message from the SPC, he added.

Councillor Cruise, who received the unanimous support of the SPC, said he will be bringing his motion before a meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District and also before a full meeting of Mayo County Council.

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Jarlath Munnelly who said there was an onus on them to do something about it, and it was time for action.

SPC cathaoirleach Councillor Mark Duffy agreed anything they could do to support the airport, they should.