Ireland West Airport Knock secures funding through new and expanded Regional Airports Programme
The growth and development prospects for Ireland West Airport Knock have received another boost with the confirmation that the airport will benefit from funding under the 2026-2030 Regional Airports Programme.
Announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, the new programme sets out the Government’s funding framework to support regional airports over the next five years.
The programme has been expanded to redefine regional airports as those who see fewer than three million passengers per year.
The 2021-2025 Regional Airports Programme was limited to airports with fewer than one million passengers.
This change ensures greater funding security for Ireland West Airport Knock as it continues to grow beyond last year's record of 946,381 passengers.
A key feature of the updated programme is the introduction of a stepped eligibility system.
This means the airport will continue to receive State support even as passenger numbers exceed one million, and funding will taper over time as the airport reaches the three million passenger mark
As part of the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the National Development Plan, almost €45m in capital investments will be available over the five-year programme, with €9m in capital support earmarked for 2026.
Minister O’Brien confirmed that, in recognition of the airport’s growth forecasts, the programme will “ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold.”
Minister of State Alan Dillon welcomed the publication and highlighted the significant benefits for Knock Airport, and for progressing the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ)
He said the updated programme represents “a major step forward for Knock Airport and for the entire West and North‑West region”, ensuring that the airport can continue access essential capital and operational supports as passenger numbers grow.
The Knock Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is a major economic initiative designed to expand Ireland West Airport Knock and its surrounding area.
It aims to create a large-scale employment, innovation, and enterprise hub adjacent to the airport, while supporting the development of aviation-related industries, hotels and conference facilities, and other commercial activity.
Minister Dillon noted the SDZ is “one of the most important regional development opportunities in the west” and said the new regional programme will ensure “that Knock Airport can continue to grow sustainably, attract new investment and support the long-term vision for the SDZ”.
Minister Dillon also welcomed the Programme’s enhanced governance and evaluation measures.
Major capital projects at the airport will now be subject to strengthened oversight, with any project costing over €20 million required to submit a full Project Outline Document before approval.
As well, an economic impact study must be completed for Knock Airport by the end of 2027 that demonstrates its contribution to the region in terms of connectivity, employment, tourism, and foreign direct investment.
Minister Dillon said that the renewed investment will help to “maximise the use of existing airport capacity, support the Knock SDZ, and reinforce critical regional infrastructure”.
He explained that supporting regional airports is key to having balanced national development, and added that the programme helps to ensure “that regional Ireland remains well-connected and well-supported into the future.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.