Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has confirmed that funding in the amount of €5,761,738 has been approved for Ireland West Airport Knock.
Minister Ring stated: "Ireland West Airport Knock has been approved capital expenditure (CAPEX ) of €4,772,252 and PPR-C (Public Policy Remit-Capital ) of €989,486.
"The CAPEX funding will be used as follows - €4,734,752 for runway overlay, €18,750 for snow vehicle and €18,750 for airside maintenance vehicle. The PPR-Capital will be used for the following- €49,500 CCTV for upgrade, €849,986 for baggage screening upgrade and €90,000 for fire simulator and training ground upgrade.
"This substantial funding boost to Ireland West Airport Knock will help the airport to continue to develop as a top quality airport for the West and North West of the country and sends a clear message from Government that we are supporting Ireland West Airport Knock at every possible opportunity in our aim to drive real economic development for the West and North West.
"Since 2011, Fine Gael led Governments have invested more than €23 million in Ireland West Airport Knock - a key international connectivity hub along the Atlantic Economic Corridor area, which aims to maximise the cities and growth towns along the western seaboard to attract jobs and Irish and international investment into the region."
Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport, said: "We welcome today’s announcement of phase 1 of funding by the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport, Shane Ross, TD, which will assist the airport in undertaking important safety and security related projects including the completion of the rehabilitation and overlay of the airport’s 2,400 metre runway, upgrading of Hold Baggage Screening equipment, Fire service training Simulator and training ground upgrade and upgrades of airport service vehicles.
"We also wish to acknowledge in particular the continued unwavering support of Minister Michael Ring, Minister for Rural & Community Development for the airport. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Ross, his Department and with regional and local government representatives and our local authority partners and stakeholders in driving to implement the objectives set out as part of the 10-year National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040."
