Minister Chambers announces funding of over €5.6 million for capital projects at Regional Airports in visit to Donegal Airport

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD, has today announced combined funding of over €5.6m to support eligible regional airports in Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock).

His announcement came as he visited Donegal Airport as part of his ministerial responsibility for aviation. Donegal Airport plays a crucial travel role in the Northwest supporting vital connectivity, economic development and tourism to the region.

Consistent with the Programme for Government pledge to deliver capital programmes required to support services and ensure safety at our regional airports, Minister Chambers took the opportunity to announce the capital funding allocations for 2024. These come under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.

The over €5.6m in funding has been allocated as follows:

2024 Capital Funding Allocations

Airport Allocation

Donegal €1.299m

Kerry €0.681m

Ireland West €3.666m

Total: €5.646m

These allocations will contribute towards capital investment in safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus. This will assist airports in meeting their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.

Speaking at Donegal Airport, Minister Chambers said: "I am pleased to be here today to announce the 2024 capital funding allocations under the Regional Airports Programme. This funding represents significant investment in our regional airports. Among the 32 projects being supported this year are an Aerodrome Ground Lighting project here at Donegal Airport.

"Other significant investments include runway facilities remediation works and new security equipment at Kerry Airport and a new fire tender, as well as the commencement of an Aerodrome Fire Training Centre at Ireland West Airport."

Announcing this funding allocation, Minister Chambers added: "While many of the projects being supported have environmental aspects to them, ten of the projects approved for funding, amounting to €1.2 million, have a fundamental sustainability focus. These include Carbon Reduction Plans here at Donegal and at Ireland West Airport. Other projects include the upgrade to electric vehicles at Kerry Airport and Ireland West Airport."

Minister Chambers concluded: "This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports being well positioned for growth. Ireland has established good connectivity with the UK, Europe and America via our five regional airports.

"Exchequer funding provided to regional airports and supporting PSO air services to date has enabled this connectivity and strong recovery, with passenger traffic across these regional airports last year up 9% when compared with 2019 passenger levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19). I was pleased to witness further growth across our regional airports this year with passenger traffic in Q1 16% higher when compared with the same period last year."