EDITORIAL: Airport development zone could be the west’s ‘economic gateway’

WE ALL know how lucky we are here in the west of Ireland to have an international airport on our doorstep. Ireland West Airport has been open now for more that 38 years, and despite coming to standstill during the Covid pandemic, the airport has bounced back and is now currently experiencing its busiest ever summer.
However, there has long been a train of thought that we are not getting the most out of the airport in terms of development around the east Mayo region, and that it really should be a bustling hub creating hundreds more jobs.
The creation of a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is the obvious way forward for the airport, and the appointment this week of a designated Project Manager is a significant step in the right direction.
The Steering Committee of the SDZ announced the appointment of Dominick Healy today (Tuesday), July 2, following the Government’s decision to allocate funding to Mayo County Council. He will take up the role on August 22
In a statement, Mayo County Council said Mr Healy has extensive experience as a civil engineer in the construction industry, having worked for more than 15 years in both the private and public sectors.
The council states his first priority will be to prepare a roadmap and programme for the development of the SDZ, working with the multi-agency Steering Committee established by Government.

Leadership
Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council and Chair of the Steering Committee, said: “I am delighted to make this announcement and to welcome Dominick Healy to our team. This is an important appointment, and his leadership and experience will play a vital role in charting the vision and future for the SDZ at IWA.”
Welcoming the appointment of Mr Healy, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, TD, said the vision for Ireland West Airport is that it will be a dynamic regional airport and business campus that will become an economic gateway to the west and northwest.
It has been previously stated that the development of a SDZ around the airport has the potential to deliver over 4,000 jobs.
If built out to full capacity, the site could deliver 95,025 square metres of commercial, business and enterprise space, along with 44,000 square metres of aviation economic development and services, and 11,000 square meters of hotel accommodation and conference floor space.

Promotion
Also this week, Tourism Ireland teamed up with Ireland West Airport to organise a workshop and networking event in Cologne, Germany, to promote the Wild Atlantic Way.
The event saw over 20 Irish tourism companies connect with 40 leading German tour operators and travel agents, with a similar event taking place in Milan, to highlight Ryanair flights from Milan Bergamo to Knock to key Italian travel professionals and journalists.
Tourism Ireland aims to sustainably support the economies of communities right across the country, growing revenue to our regions outside of the peak summer season by an average of six and a half percent a year to 2030. A key part of that strategy involves working with regional airports and airlines to promote flights which deliver visitors right to our regions.
With a dedicated project manager now appointed, concrete proposals can now be put in place and a clear path mapped out for the establishment of the SDZ at Mayo’s most important piece of infrastructure.
These are clearly exciting times for everyone involved with the airport, and it is hugely important that not only the people of Mayo, but the whole western region, continue to utilise the fantastic facilities available there.