A blueprint for the future development of Ireland West Airport Knock is to be approved by the members of Mayo County Council on Monday, following its adoption by the members of the Swinford electoral area committee this week.
Submissions were submitted to Mayo County Council by the Connaught Airport Development Association in relation to proposed material alterations to the draft plan 2012-2018.
According to Councillor Gerry Murray one of the main concerns locally is that retail activity at the airport would be passenger orientated and he feels the plan strikes that balance. He said it was important that the towns of Charlestown and Swinford would not have business displaced as a result of activities at the airport
In welcoming the plan Cllr Murray said it was a blueprint for the future development of the east Mayo area and it was his hope that the airport would become a major “employment and investment” hub.
He added that the plan makes way for significant jobs investment at the airport. His proposal to adopt the plan was seconded by Cllr Jimmy Maloney.
Cllr Eugene Lavin also welcomed the plan adding that it was important that the airport develops in the best possible way. “Obviously retail is not what it was designed for and that needs to be looked at,” he stated but added that the plan paves the way for industry growth.
