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 Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, which has clear benefits for Shannon and Ireland West Airports.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45m capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million 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 regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across the country’s regional airports. With that in mind, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers. The airports that will meet the criteria under the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Donegal.
Minister Canney said: “For an island nation like Ireland, strong regional air connectivity is essential for economic growth, tourism and community development.
This new Programme delivers continued investment in our regional airports and ensures that growing airports such as Ireland West and Shannon can expand in a sustainable and strategic way. The expansion of both airports is a key economic driver for the west of Ireland.”
The Programme introduces supports to reflect passenger growth, ensuring Ireland West Airport continues to receive support over the next five years, as it continues to grow from last year’s record of 946,000 passengers, which is key for its development. Shannon Airport will also be eligible for capital supports as it continues its expansion towards three million passengers, recognising its strategic importance to the State.
Note to Editors
· A public consultation followed by a mid-term review of the 2021-2025 programme was undertaken in 2023. The high-level outcomes under the review called for consideration to be given to broadening the scope of the programme to allow for the inclusion of airports of one million passengers and above, on a phased step-down basis.
· Taking account of the outcomes of the mid-term review and passenger traffic forecasts by regional airports, the eligibility threshold under the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 has been revised. In doing so, the Programme will continue to support connectivity and regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports.
· Capital funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 has already been approved as part of the National Development Plan (NDP). Capital funding allocations will be announced by the end of quarter one each year, following the assessment of capital funding proposals submitted by eligible airports for funding consideration.
· Operational funding allocations will be announced in quarter four each year, following a financial analysis of projected administrative expenditure submitted by eligible airports in each funding year.
