Following last Friday’s meeting of the steering group established earlier this year to examine the options for growth and longer term viability of Ireland West Airport Knock, Managing Director of the Airport Joe Gilmore has stated that the airport is pleased with the progress that has been made to date.
He stated that despite some initial concerns with the process, Airport Directors and regional representatives have succeeded in convincing the Department of the strong business case for future investment into the airport and the important role other regional airports can also play.
Mr Gilmore stated that Ireland West Airport Knock has proven its capability in the past in developing an impressive international route network with established airline partners and growing passenger numbers to close to 700,000, of which a large component are returning visitors and new tourists for the region, contributing over €120m in annual revenues.
“This provides a substantial dividend for the region on an annual basis, in addition to the critical role the airport continues to play for business travellers and commuters to the UK’.
The Study Group which is chaired by Deputy John O’Mahony and comprises of members of the Airport Board, regional industry and tourism, the local authorities, and the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Dept of Finance and Dept of Jobs, Employment and Innovation, have been working through a detailed process of evaluating the options open to ensure that the longer term growth and development of the Airport is secured.
The final report of the study report will be with the Taoiseach and Minister for Transport by the end of November and will feed into the Draft National Aviation Policy that is expected to be finalised shortly after that
