Pa Daly
Question:183. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he is making to support the growth of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15487/26]
View answerThursday, 26 February 2026
Questions (183)
Written answers
Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism.
In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. Delivering on this important commitment, I was pleased to announce the publication of the new Programme on Wednesday (25 February).
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment over the period of this Programme, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation this year. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.
This new Programme will continue to support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. In doing so, for the first time the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). Kerry Airport, along with Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock) and Donegal currently meet the eligibility criteria for the new Programme.
In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas. Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change.
Such targeted funding has supported the 23% growth in passenger traffic across Irish regional airports last year, when compared to 2019 (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19).
To maximise use of our airports in the regions, including Kerry, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to conduct a review of National Aviation Policy (NAP). While the principal goals of the NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department has commenced preparatory work on revising the NAP, with a view to publication later this year.
The revised NAP will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will include a focus on maximising use of our regional airports, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.