Last Friday saw the latest meeting of the study group that was established earlier this year to examine the future growth options and the long term viability of Ireland West Airport Knock. The board of the airport is pleased with the progress that has been made so far in this process. Managing director of the airport Joe Gilmore said this week that he is “pleased with the progress that has been made to date” and 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”. Ireland West Airport Knock has, he said, “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 final report of the study group is targeted to 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.
The study group, which is chaired by John O’Mahony TD, comprises members of the airport board, regional industry and tourism, local authorities, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Department of Finance, and Department of Jobs, Employment and Innovation. They have all 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.
