Mayo Airport’s anniversary sparks Dáil debate over legacy and regional connectivity

The 40th anniversary of Ireland West Airport Knock prompted a lively exchange in Dáil Éireann this week after Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh praised the airport’s legacy and called for improved transport connectivity to support its future growth.

Speaking during questions on Cabinet Committees on Tuesday, May 26 Deputy Conway-Walsh marked the milestone anniversary by congratulating airport staff and leadership while reflecting on the vision of the late Monsignor James Horan, whose determination helped establish the airport despite widespread scepticism.

“This week, Knock airport will celebrate its 40th anniversary. It is a huge milestone for Mayo and the wider western region,” the Mayo deputy told the Dáil.

The Mayo deputy praised the airport’s role in creating jobs, supporting tourism and improving international access to the west of Ireland, while paying tribute to the vision of the late Monsignor James Horan at a time “when many thought it was impossible”.

“He took the ‘Build it and they will come’ approach and history has proven him right,” Conway-Walsh said, adding that the airport had brought “thousands of jobs, tourism opportunities and vital international connectivity” to the west of Ireland.

Responding, the Taoiseach interrupted to note that Deputy Conway-Walsh had omitted what he described as another key part of the airport’s history.

“The Deputy left out the main supporters, the people who made it happen,” he said.

The Sinn Féin TD also questioned whether the Government would improve transport links around the airport, referencing the Western Rail Corridor before being cut short by time constraints in the chamber.

The proposed rail corridor — long advocated by campaigners and public representatives in the west — has repeatedly been highlighted as a means of strengthening regional transport links, improving access between counties and supporting economic development across western communities.

While time constraints prevented the issue from being explored in detail during the exchange, the intervention renewed political focus on how better public transport and rail connectivity could support access to Knock Airport and the wider western seaboard.

Responding, the Taoiseach did not directly address the rail proposal during the chamber exchange, instead focusing on the political and historical legacy behind the establishment of Knock Airport.

“In response to the Deputy Conway-Walsh, I was very disappointed that she never mentioned Fianna Fáil,” he said.

Conway-Walsh replied: “I just could not bring myself to do it.”

The Taoiseach responded by crediting Fianna Fáil and former Taoiseach Charles Haughey alongside Monsignor Horan for helping bring the airport project to fruition.

“Fianna Fáil built Knock airport — everybody knows that — with Monsignor Horan,” he said, recalling criticism faced by supporters of the project in its early days.

“Everyone said we were stupid, all of the media and the Opposition. They all said that it was nonsense.”

Referencing the airport’s longevity and growth, the Taoiseach added: “Lo and behold, 40 years later, it is still doing very well.”

The exchange comes as Ireland West Airport Knock marks four decades of operation, with celebrations highlighting its contribution to Mayo and the wider western region.

Nevertheless, the issue of connectivity to the airport has long featured in regional development discussions, with advocates arguing improved transport infrastructure — including road upgrades, public transport services and rail investment — would further strengthen the airport’s contribution to Mayo.

Debate continues over what investment is needed to ensure the region remains connected and competitive for the decades ahead.