Early Christmas present for Mayo airport with new funding announcement

IRELAND West Airport Knock has welcomed funding of €1.9 million which has been allocated by the Department of Transport for the Mayo airport.

The funding of €1.9 million provided is part of a €4 million fund allocated to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. Ireland West Airport Knock received the largest amount of funding in the country with Kerry Airport receiving €1.4 million and Donegal €700,000.

Passenger numbers at Ireland West Airport in 2025 are expected to reach record levels of around 950,000, marking a new milestone for the airport.

Arthur French, Chairman of Ireland West Airport welcomed the funding which will contribute to vital safety and security operations at the airport, such as air traffic control, fire services, and security.

“I wish to acknowledge the Government’s continued support for the airport and in particular, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, TD.

“I also wish to acknowledge our Local Authority shareholders, our local Government Ministers and TD’s and other political representatives and the western chambers for their continued strong support for the airport during the year.

“I’m pleased to say we are forecasting a record year for passenger numbers in 2025, which is a testament to the firm support from the entire region and beyond for the airport. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government and regional stakeholders in driving the airport’s growth and development plans into the future,” he said.

READ: Fresh appeal launched for Mayo woman Sandra Collins who vanished 25 years ago

The funding was also welcomed by Mayo's two Government ministers, Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon who acknowledged the work of the team at the airport in its continued growth.

“I am delighted with this funding announcement for regional airports by my colleague, Minister O’Brien, and am particularly pleased with the €1.9m in operational funding to Ireland West,” said Minister Dara Calleary.

“This funding will support payroll costs in air traffic control, fire services, and security screening at these airports this year. 

“Fianna Fáil has long been committed to funding the airport in Knock and today’s announcement follows on from Minister O'Brien's announcement in May of this year of €5.6million for Knock under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025”

“As always, I want to acknowledge Joe Gilmore and the team at Ireland West for their continued drive and dedication to growing this vital piece of infrastructure for  the west of Ireland,” said the Ballina-based TD.

Minister of State Alan Dillon added: ““The announced operational funding is in addition to the €5.6 million in capital support provided earlier this year for Ireland West Airport Knock. This targeted investment has already supported strong growth in connectivity at the airport. Passenger traffic at Knock from January to September 2025 has increased significantly compared to the same period last year.

“This Government clearly recognises the vital role regional airports play in driving connectivity, economic growth, and tourism. Following detailed engagement with Ireland West Airport Knock, I am committed to ensuring that this Government continues to prioritise investment in regional aviation.

“Work is already underway on a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030, which will include a review of the current passenger cap at Knock to support further expansion and competitiveness. This new Programme is being advanced as a priority and will be published early in the new year.”