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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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FUTURE PLANS The Government is to allocate €400,000 over two years to Mayo County Council, so that plans for the SDZ at Knock airport can be progressed.
The development of a strategic development zone at Knock airport has been talked about for years but it would seem a step closer to reality, with the appointment of a dedicated project manager now imminent.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is to allocate €200,000 per year for two years to Mayo County Council for the development. This will enable the employment of a dedicated project manager and the engagement of external expertise to develop a roadmap for the strategic development zone (SDZ) site, which 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.
Mayo TD Alan Dillon announced approval of the funding last week, stating that the practical governance arrangements for the transfer of funds, expected to start in early 2024, will be agreed upon by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Mayo County Council. This will be overseen by a Steering Group comprising Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), the Western Development Commission, Mayo County Council, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, alongside the Programme Manager for the West Regional Enterprise Plan.
Deputy Dillon stated: “This funding allocation recognises the potential of the Knock Airport SDZ and ensures its integration with other regional development plans. By considering the feasibility study and related work, we can create a comprehensive roadmap that maximises the economic benefits for the region.”
Deputy Dillon added that the funding arrangement will be strictly limited to a two-year period. He also said that it is anticipated that at the end of this period, a roadmap endorsed by relevant stakeholders, including the Government, will be in place.
So, once a dedicated project manager is appointed, there should be no reason why concrete proposals could not be put in place and a clear path mapped out for the establishment of the SDZ at Mayo’s most important piece of infrastructure.
The SDZ really has the potential to become a proper hub for business and technology in the west and will undoubtedly secure the long-term future of Ireland West Airport.
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