Ireland West Airport welcome further funding

‘BUSIEST YEAR EVER’ Joe Gilmore, MD of Knock Airport.

Ciara Galvin

Ireland West Airport has welcomed the pre-Christmas announcement of substantial funding of €1,868,439 to the facility. The funding comes under the Public Policy Remit Operational Expenditure Subvention Scheme for 2017.
The programme provides for Exchequer support to contribute towards the significant operational costs associated with air traffic control, fire, safety and security at airports.
Speaking about the latest funding for the airport, Joe Kennedy, Chairman, acknowledged the support of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD in awarding the funding. He also thanked Minister Michael Ring, TD, and his department for their ‘ongoing support’.
Mr Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, cited the Ministers support for the development of a new Tourist Visit Centre at the airport which will open next year.
“We wish to also extend our thanks to local representatives for their support for the airport throughout the year. 2017 will see the airport have its busiest ever year,” said Mr Gilmore, with passenger numbers set to almost reach 750,000. Mr Gilmore outlined that the airport also intends to embark on a major investment plan aimed at transforming the facility over the next three years.
The airport plans a €15m investment in new passenger facilities, terminal upgrades and infrastructural works across the airport facility and runway and he thanked the Department of Transport, local authority partners airport customers for their support in delivering future projects.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Government on  long term commitment and investment to support the airport’s growth and development plans,” he concluded.