Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
217. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an annual breakdown of the funding received by regional airports as part of the regional airports programme, by airport, for the years 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with National Aviation Policy, regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports with funding targeted at safety and security related activities and operations. The Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience against climate change.
Over the period 2023-2025, over €46 million was allocated to eligible airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. At that time the Programme supported airports with up to one million passengers per annum. Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports were eligible for supports throughout the lifetime of the programme. Both Cork and Shannon airports became temporarily eligible due to reduced passenger numbers as a result of COVID-19.
In relation to the Deputy's request for a breakdown of funding allocated over the period 2023-2025, please find attached table setting out this detail.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that as an island nation, good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world is essential for continued economic growth, for communities, and our tourism industry. In recognition of this, the Programme for Government commits to develop a new Regional Airports Programme. A new Regional Airports Programme which will cover the period 2026-2030, was published by my Department on 25 February.
For the first time, the scope of the new Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. This will allow for Shannon Airport's inclusion as it grows towards three million passengers per annum. It also allows Ireland West Airport to continue to receive support as it grows beyond one million passengers, which it is expected to do during the lifetime of the new programme.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan Review will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for regional airports during the lifetime of this new Programme. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimates process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme this year.
I have recently announced almost €8million in capital funding for eligible airports in 2026. This funding is set out as follows:
Shannon Airport €1.936m
Ireland West Airport €2.834m
Kerry Airport €2.766m
Donegal Airport €0.367m
Additional operational funding will be allocated later this year to Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports.
