Funding boost for Mayo airport due to its growing success

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has welcomed the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026.

In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the programme in 2026.

The programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports.

“The Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

"This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment.

"Minister O’Brien has announced that for the first time, the scope of the programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers.

"And, in recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this programme, it will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold.

"Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports.

“I am very pleased that new programme will allow for the continued support of Ireland West Airport Knock and give the airport security for the period 2026-2030.

"I am very committed to continuing to work with Managing Director Joe Gilmore, chairperson Arthur French and the board to ensure the continued growth of the airport and the services it provides into the future.

"I look forward to capital funding being announced for the airport next month and operational funding in Q4."

Minister of State for the West and North-West, Alan Dillon TD, welcomed the announcement, describing it as "a major step forward for Knock Airport and for the entire West and North-West region."

Under the previous framework, the airport risked losing State support if passenger numbers surpassed one million. The new programme changes this significantly, introducing a stepped eligibility system that maintains funding on a tapered basis all the way up to three million passengers. The move gives the airport the financial certainty it needs to pursue route development, attract investment, and plan long-term infrastructure improvements.

"This is a major boost for the airport, for regional connectivity, and for balanced economic development across the West," said Minister Dillon.

The announcement is also seen as a significant enabler for the Knock Special Development Zone (SDZ), an ambitious project aimed at creating a major employment, innovation, and enterprise hub adjacent to the airport.

Minister Dillon said the SDZ represents "one of the most important regional development opportunities in the west," and that a well-supported airport is central to unlocking its potential.

He added that the programme's enhanced infrastructure, improved connectivity, and governance requirements "align directly with the SDZ's objectives to drive job creation, attract enterprise, and support balanced regional development."

Under the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport — developed as part of the recent National Development Plan Review — almost €45 million in capital investment will be allocated to regional airports between 2026 and 2030.

In 2026 alone, the programme will provide €9 million in capital supports and €10 million in current funding, bringing the total available for regional airports next year to over €19 million.

The new programme also introduces enhanced governance measures. Major capital projects will be subject to strengthened oversight, and any projects exceeding €20 million will require a full Project Outline Document before receiving approval.

Ireland West Airport Knock will also be required to complete an economic impact study by the end of 2027, enabling the airport to clearly demonstrate its contribution to the region in terms of connectivity, employment, tourism, and foreign direct investment.

Minister Dillon concluded: "This renewed investment will help maximise the use of existing airport capacity, support the Knock SDZ, and reinforce critical regional infrastructure. Supporting our airports is central to balanced national development, and the Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030 ensures that regional Ireland remains well connected and well supported into the future."

The programme will continue to fund safety and security infrastructure, operational supports, and environmental sustainability projects at eligible airports.

Welcoming the announcement, Arthur French, chairman, Ireland West Airport, said: "The extension of the Regional Airports Programme is positive news for the airport and regional Ireland as the funding will support the airport's ongoing significant costs in maintaining compliance with the EU’s safety and security related obligations, providing modern fire support and training facilities as well as maintaining a modern regional airport air traffic control operation.

"We welcome government‘s recognition of the signifcant importance of the airport for the west, northwest and Midlands regions of Ireland as the airport continues to work with our airline partners to deliver critical international air connectivity from a business, leisure and tourism perspective.

"Furthermore, the continued investment in our capital infrastructure and sustainability programme are of critical importance in achieving our carbon reduction targets.

"We thank Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Minister Sean Canny and our local political representatives for their ongoing support for the airport and we look forward to working closely with them over the lifetime of the new programme”.

* 2025 was the busiest year on record at Ireland West Airport, with passenger numbers reaching 946,381 for the first time in the airport’s history, surpassing the previous record of 834,000 passengers set in 2024, a 13.5% increase, making it Ireland’s fastest-growing airport last year. The airport now serves 21 international destinations and is served by three of Europe’s major international airlines: Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe and Ryanair.