Taoiseach welcomes Knock Airport funding approval

Anton McNulty

AN Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has asked the Minister for Transport to visit Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and meet its board following formal approval by the EU Commission for the Government’s Regional Airport Programme.
The decision by the EU Commission to give a green light to the Regional Airport Programme allows regional airports like IWAK to apply to the Department of Transport for financial support.
State aid, under a Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure (OPEX) Scheme and a Regional Airports Capital Expenditure Grant (CAPEX) Scheme will now be made available to Knock Airport in accordance with the criteria set out in the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.
The Regional Airport Programme will provide financial supports to regional airports, under the two main Schemes, up to a maximum aid intensity level of €42.5m over the period 2015 to 2019.
The Commission’s approval for the programme was welcomed by An Taoiseach who again called on his Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, to visit the airport in September to see the facilities and meet the board.
“The level of funding provided in each year of the Programme will be determined on the basis of submissions from the airports, including five year business plans, and the availability of exchequer resources in any one year,” Mr Kenny explained.
“In addition to the financial supports in accordance with EU State aid rules, the Exchequer will also provide financial assistance to the regional airports for those costs associated with Public Policy Remit requirements.
“Approval of the 2015-2019 Programme will greatly assist the regional airports in working towards a position of viability over the course of the Programme. Knock Airport will now make their submissions to the Department of Transport for supports under the Programme,” he said.
The Board of IWAK welcomed the announcement and stated that they expect it to form the basis of long-term commitment and investment from both the European Commission and the Government to support the airport’s growth and development plans.
The news comes less than a week after the airport celebrated its first transatlantic pilgrimage flight operated by Aer Lingus with discussions in place for increased transatlantic traffic.
Minister for State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring also welcomed the announcement saying that Knock Airport will receive ‘much needed funding to develop its services and facilities for the growing number of passengers it welcomes yearly’.