There was a major welcome this week from Government representives for the most recent payment to regional airports in the State including Ireland West Airport Knock. A total of €2 million in operational funding was awarded to four regional airports in the State.
Speaking about this week’s allocation and other allocations given this year to IWAK An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “This latest round of funding will bring the level of operational and capital funding supports for the airport to over €2.4 million for 2014. Since this Fine Gael/Labour Government came to power, roughly €10 million has been invested by the State in Ireland West Airport Knock, and this latest round of funding is a further commitment to the airport. Knock Airport holds a special place in the hearts of Mayo people and this funding has aided in the growth of passenger numbers to record highs, as well as the tourism potential from linking-in with initiatives such as the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Earlier this week, Mayo County Council held its monthly meeting at the airport, where the future plans for the airport were discussed in detail. Speaking at that meeting Fine Gael whip in the council, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, outlined a number of achievements from the current Government. He cited the report from the group chaired by John O’Mahony TD as an important point in securing the future of the airport. “The group chaired by John O’Mahony TD, which consisted of personnel from several key Government departments, the airport board, and Mayo County Council identified the things that are possible for the Government to support, instead of focusing on things that are outside the scope of Government support.” Cllr Munnelly went on to identify the funding that was put into the airport over the past few years, saying: “Since 2011, this Government has invested €10 million into Knock – which equates with the total investment from the previous government. They have also succeeded in changing aviation policy in Ireland, which now recognises the importance of regional airports like Knock.”
