Mayo airport preparing for next chapter of its remarkable success story
Presentation on future plans made to Minister of Transport
The Minister of Transport Darragh O’Brien has praised Ireland West Airport for the adversity it overcame in its formative years to reach a level of development in which it is now attracting an average of one million passengers annually.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebrations, he said the founding fathers had faith and belief in what they were doing and were ultimately rewarded for it.
“What we see today is a testament to the tremendous work of the late Mons. James Horan and everybody else involved along the way.
“The value of the aviation centre in supporting international connectivity and economic development in the direction of regional airports is now widely acknowledged.
“As an island nation with a disperse population and an open economy, good connection with the rest of the world is absolutely essential.
“We are committed to further fostering growth in connectivity for the benefit of our tourism sector as a whole.
“Ireland West Airport Knock has been nothing but a success story and I am committed to supporting the facility going forward.
“Over the period from 2021 to 2025 the government has been able to fund the airport to the tune of over €28 million.
“And, indeed, it was Ireland West Airport Knock that led us to ensuring we lifted the passenger limit in terms of allowing ongoing capital support into the future, subject to an application process overseen by officials of my department.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Social Protection and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary paid tribute to the entire Ireland West Airport family for their tremendous input over the past four decades.
“The progress of the airport is very much aligned with the progress of the nation and, as we move onto the next chapter of its development, a presentation has been given to us by the board and management in relation to funding of its future plans.
“What I can reveal is that the proposals are ambitious. They are rich, vibrant and will drive further economic success in this county and region.”
Arthur French, chairman, Ireland West Airport, said he and his board members look forward to the challenge of further developing and expanding the facility in the years ahead.