The new Kennedy terminal (named after Joe Kennedy, former chairman and honorary president of Ireland West Knock airport’s board of directors ) was officially opened by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey last Friday. The Minister spoke with optimism about the future of an airport which was founded on an “impossible dream” which has become a successful reality.
Speaking about the new 3,000 square feet terminal — which incorporates a new security screening area, extended check in facilities, increased departure lounges, retail, catering, and other facilities — Liam Scollan, chairman of IWAK, said that there are signs of “great hope” for the airport due to the new CAT II landing system which has been in operation since April. This has aided aircraft landings in poor visibility weather conditions, with only one diversion since its implementation. August was the busiest month in the airport in three years, with more than 81,000 passengers using the airport that month.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Cribbin, said that the airport is a “real success story for the west” and that the expansion of the airport is essential in attracting investment and employment into the region.
Minister Dempsey said that the airport will survive and thrive into the future. The Minister also reiterated that the aims of Transport 21 will be achieved, over a longer timeframe, as will the pledge of €86 million funding to assist the six regional airports, again later than the initial expected time of delivery.
The Transport Minister concluded that what was achieved by the airport in increasing passenger numbers, while numbers at other airports fall, is “nothing short of remarkable”, and said that IWAK is a sign that the west is “alive and well” and that “the future is bright”.
Managing director of the airport Joe Gilmore also spoke of future expansion of IWAK with talks ongoing with other major airlines across the UK, Germany, and France. Mr Gilmore thanked the shareholders, business partners, tour operators, staff and those who worked on the new terminal.
A minute’s silence was also observed for former chairman of the airport Cathal Duffy, who recently passed away.
