Warning that energy crisis could affect Mayo transport projects and create uncertainty around flying
As uncertainty deepens around the timeline of the Iran war, concerns are mounting over its impact on the global economy, energy supplies, and broader infrastructure and industry.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that fuel supplies in Ireland remain stable until the end of this month, adding that the Government will keep some “firepower” in reserve as the situation develops with no clear resolution in sight.
In Mayo, local representatives have warned that rising energy costs could have significant consequences for the delivery of major infrastructure projects, while also creating uncertainty for operations and air connectivity at Ireland West Airport, Knock.
At the March meeting of the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Richard Finn raised concerns about the 2026 Road Works Programme, which was rubber-stamped during the meeting.
He said it was important for the public to be made aware that the programme could prove difficult to deliver in its entirety due to rising costs and supply issues.
“We are in the land of the unknown in relation to fuel prices, the manufacturing and production of the materials involved,” he said.
“If things continue as they are, people need to know we will probably not be able to complete the same amount of work that we have planned.”
“We are at the mercy of the world economy and we are at the mercy of Mr Trump himself. We are at the mercy of war, we are at the mercy of the present state of the world,” he added.
Cllr Finn warned that some road projects may not be completed, or that less work than originally planned may ultimately be delivered under the programme.
Concerns were also raised by councillors regarding the rising cost and potential shortage of jet fuel and the effect this could have on operations at Knock airport.
Comments made by Ryanair CEO and recent visitor to the airport, Michael O’Leary, were referenced during the meeting.
Mr O’Leary has warned that if the war continues on its current trajectory and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by mid-April, jet fuel supplies across Europe could be disrupted by early May.
Cllr Michael Burke highlighted these concerns, linking them to the future of Ireland West Airport Knock ahead of its 40th anniversary celebrations in May.
He recently attended an event at the Embassy of Ireland in London celebrating the milestone anniversary, and said the enthusiasm for the airport was fantastic.
The event brought together political representatives from across Connacht, along with representatives from Knock airport, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus, and Ryanair.
“It [Knock Aiport] is something that is in our area, we can be mighty proud of it. Hopefully, we will reach that one million passengers mark for 2026,” Cllr Burke said.
In 2025, the airport recorded a record 946,381 passengers, with numbers expected to exceed one million this year.
However, Cllr Burke warned that May could prove challenging for the airport and for air connectivity if the current situation persists.
“May is going to be a difficult month if the war doesn’t ease,” he said. “It will have a huge impact on the country, we are dependent on people coming in for their holidays and for business too.”
“We are a small island country, and we depend on air [connectivity] so much. We are lucky to have Knock, but we need things to stabilise in relation to the cost of fuel,” he said.
Cllr Burke left the meeting with a clear message for those in positions of power around the world.
“It is important that peace is found somewhere along the line, people [need] to start to open up and think about what they are doing to the world.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.