Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the 2025 operational funding allocations under the Regional Airports Programme, which include €1.9 million for Ireland West Airport Knock.

The allocations for 2025 are:

  • Ireland West Airport Knock – €1.9 million
  • Kerry Airport – €1.4 million
  • Donegal Airport – €0.7 million

Speaking about the significance of the supports, Minister Canney said: “Ireland West Airport Knock is a key strategic asset for the West and North-West. This funding underpins essential safety and security operations and ensures the airport can continue to provide vital regional connectivity for communities and businesses.”

He emphasised that continued support for Ireland West is central to strengthening regional development and enabling economic growth across the West.

“Air access is critical for investment, tourism and jobs. Ireland West plays that role every day for the region, and these operational supports are an important part of keeping that connectivity strong.”

Operational funding supports core services such as air traffic control, fire and rescue services and airport security – all essential to maintaining safe and compliant airport operations.

This investment comes on top of the €7.8 million in capital supports already announced for the regional airports earlier this year. That targeted Exchequer funding is driving stronger connectivity, with passenger traffic across these airports up 11% from January to September compared to the same period last year.

The Minister added that these allocations form part of ongoing work across the Department in preparing the next Regional Airports Programme (2026–2030).