Gardai at the scene of the fatal collision in St Johnston. (North West Newspix)
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25 Feb 2026
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25 Feb 2026
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The programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD has welcomed the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.
The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports.
“The Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment.
“Minister O’Brien has announced that for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers and in recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this Programme, the Programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold. Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports.
“I am very pleased that the new Programme will allow for the continued support of Ireland West Airport Knock and give the airport security for the period 2026-2030. I am very committed to continuing to work with Managing Director Joe Gilmore, Chairperson Arthur French and the board to ensure the continued growth of the airport and the services it provides into the future. I look forward to capital funding being announced for the airport next month and operational funding in Q4,” said Minister Calleary.
Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillon also welcomed the announcement, highlighting that the Regional Airports Programme will play a key enabling role for the Knock SDZ, which aims to deliver a major employment, innovation, and enterprise hub adjacent to the airport.
“The SDZ represents one of the most important regional development opportunities in the West,” he said. “A strong, well‑supported airport is central to unlocking its full potential. The Programme announced today ensures that Knock Airport can continue to grow sustainably, attract new investment, and support the long‑term vision for the SDZ.”
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