The Mons. James Horan statue at Ireland West Airport.

Mayo airport SDZ roadmap due next autumn

A ROADMAP for the strategic development zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport is due to be finalished next autumn.

The Ireland West SDZ has the potential to be a significant regional economic driver for Co. Mayo and the northwest region.

A dedicated project manager is preparing a detailed roadmap, with a completion timeline set for August 2026. The blueprint is being overseen by a steering committee that includes members from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mayo County Council, Ireland West Airport, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, NWRA, Western Development Commission and Atlantic Technological University.

The SDZ was discussed by councillors in Mayo following a presentation on a new economic development strategy for the county, seeking urgency in getting it up and running.

The seven west regional councils who lobbied for the SDZ - the only one of the 11 in the country outside an urban area and beside an international airport - need to draw on their partnership again and get it moving, Councillor Neil Cruise urged a meeting of Mayo County Council.

A rail link to the airport at least is needed, he said, noting how had been promised a motorway along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, something national politicians aren't shouting about.

Councillor Gerry Murray raised concerns that Uisce Éireann won't fund upgrades to water or sewerage at the airport.

Chief executive Kevin Kelly said the SDZ will require significant investment, and there are issues, including water, electricity and wastewater.

The roadmap will identify issues and put forward propositions on how they might be solved, he said.