Green light given for major development project at Ireland West Airport
Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a new aircraft hangar and warehouse storage facility at Knock Airport Business Park in Kilgraff, West Charlestown.
The project, proposed by EirTrade Aviation Ireland Limited, includes a two-storey office area, an ancillary aircraft storage space, and a new access road linking to the existing local route.
The plans also provide for staff and visitor parking, secure bicycle stands, and a range of sustainability features, including solar panels on the roof and electric vehicle charging stations.
Additional features include screened plant and refuse areas, a single-storey substation and electrical switch room, HGV delivery and collection facilities, and a services yard with parking.
The development will also feature new signage, site landscaping, and general site improvements.
The project covers a 3.1 hectare site, located roughly one kilometre west of Ireland West Airport Knock.
The site is zoned for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities within the airport's Strategic Development Zone (SDZ)
According to the SDZ planning scheme, the MRO Campus is one of four key functional areas to be developed. One is the airport itself, two is a Business and Enterprise Campus, and three is an Enterprise Hotel and Conference Centre.
The development marks a significant step forward for the SDZ at Knock Airport, which is recognised under Mayo's Economic Development Strategy as one of the county's most significant economic opportunities.
Mayo County Council approved the application as it found that the development would not harm nearby properties, endanger public health, or impact protected environmental sites.
The planners report also confirmed that the development is acceptable in terms of aviation and traffic safety, and represents proper planning and sustainable development for the area.
As part of the planning approval, EirTrade Aviation will pay a €166,600 development contribution to Mayo County Council before construction begins.
The payment forms part of the council's Development Contribution Scheme 2023, which requires developers to contribute to the funding of local infrastructure and services affected by new projects.
Development contributions help maintain and improve essential facilities, such as roads, water and drainage systems, and other public amenities, that support growth around large-scale development and infrastructure projects.
Mayo County Council's Development Plan 2022-2028 was considered in relation to the application, with a requirement that sustainable features, such as electric vehicle charging facilities, be provided on site.
Permission was granted subject to 22 planning conditions, covering areas such as public health and safety, traffic safety, proper waste management, and visual amenity.
The long-term vision for the SDZ includes establishing a direct rail connection between Knock Airport and the Western Rail Corridor, which would make it the first airport in Ireland directly linked to the national rail network.
Mayo councillors have recently expressed strong support for the extension of the Western Rail Corridor into Knock Airport, describing it as a transformative project for both the county and the west of Ireland as a whole.
Plans for reopening the line have made significant progress, with confirmation last week that work on the Athenry to Claremorris section is scheduled to begin within the next 18 months.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.