Over €1 million in funding for Knock airport projects

Over €1 million in funding for Knock airport projects

Áine Ryan
aineryan@mayonews.ie

OVER €1 million in funding announcements for Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) is set to further secure the future of the airport, whose founder, the late Monsignor James Horan was honoured at the weekend. An announcement last week by John O’Mahony TD of €650,000 in capital funding for essential works at the airport was preceded by Minster for State Michael Ring announcing last week that €420,000 was available to market the airport’s tourism potential. Minister Ring also announced a new tourism action plan for the west.  
Mr O’Mahony, who is chairman of the IWAK Study Group (IWAKS), established some months ago at the request of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, was speaking after the group’s second meeting, held at the weekend.
“Since the first meeting of IWAKS just over three weeks ago, it was evident that progress has been made on a substantial work programme which the group has identified as being necessary. Included in this programme is to determine the role of the airport in the region and how it can support sectors such as enterprise and tourism,” John O’Mahony said.
“I am also  delighted to able to confirm that additional capital funding of over €650,000 will be provided by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for essential capital works at the airport,” he added
He also confirmed that the group will now commission a study on specific elements of required works which will help secure the future of the airport.

Tourism potential
IN another funding announcement, Minister Ring said he was delighted to confirm new ‘marketing campaigns’ to increase British and European tourism numbers through the airport. The €420,000 fund includes a €340,000 campaign in Britain, targeting the main catchment areas around airports where there are direct flights to Knock. There is also €60,000 promoting the Milan to Knock route and €20,000 promoting the Barcelona route.  
“This is a very significant year for Irish tourism with events for The Gathering taking place throughout Ireland. Recently published overseas visit figures for the first quarter of 2013 were very impressive showing growth of over 7 per cent. These measures will help ensure that this positive momentum is maintained in terms of overseas visitors to the west of Ireland,” said Michael Ring.
The promotion of the recently announced Wild Atlantic Way as well as the harnessing of legacy projects from The Gathering have also been identified under the remit of the new tourism action plan.