TD in plea to support passenger growth at Mayo airport

A Mayo TD has used his Dáil time today to ask the Tánaiste to reform airport funding schemes to ensure that Ireland West Airport Knock can increase their passenger numbers without facing financial penalties.

Deputy Paul Lawless said: "I asked the Tánaiste to ensure that Ireland West Airport is given the scope to grow its passenger numbers beyond one million per year, without facing a tapering-off of the funding provided to regional airports for infrastructure under the Regional Airport Support Scheme or the recently announced Regional Airports Programme.

"Last year Knock Airport welcomed about 950,000 passengers and is on track to exceed a million passengers this year.

"There is some concern that if this happens the funding options available to the airport may be reduced or more limited.

"We should be encouraging regional investment, regional tourism and a fairer spread of passenger numbers across the country.

"By contrast Dublin Airport saw over 36 million passengers last year"

"Knock Airport is a massive success story - some might say a miracle. It was a project that Monsignor Horan poured his life and soul into, and we must encourage its growth and development. I welcome the Tánaiste’s commitment to support the airport and will be holding him to it", added Lawless.