Crowe welcomes investment in regional airports and renews calls for broadening eligibility criteria

Clare Fianna Fáil TD and party spokesperson on Aviation has welcomed the allocation of almost €8 million in funding to support Ireland’s regional airports and has renewed calls for the expansion of the scheme to increase the eligibility to the programme.

According to Deputy Crowe: “The Regional Airports Funding 2021-2025 provides state funding for airports that have fewer than 1 million passengers per annum. The programme supports vital safety, security and sustainability operations and activities at airports such as Kerry, Ireland West and Donegal.

“During the international travel restrictions during the Covid years, Shannon Airport fell into this passenger bracket and received considerable state funding which allowed them to significantly enhance airside infrastructure and to invest in baggage screening facilities and features which have made the airport safer and more efficient for passengers.

“However, since the lifting of travel restrictions, Shannon Airport has boomed and there are now a considerable number of flights which brought 2.1 million passengers through the airport in 2024.

“Whilst it’s disappointing that Shannon Airport didn’t receive funding from the Government in today’s announcement, this was inevitable given the passenger numbers far exceed the threshold under the Regional Airports Programme.

“The Regional Airports Programme will end this year and a new Regional Airports Programme will be devised for 2026. I am hoping that the passenger threshold can be raised so that airports such as Shannon and Cork can also benefit from the programme.

“Last October, the Government allocated €1.94 million to Shannon Airport for sustainability projects and whilst this funding was very much welcome for Shannon, I think a lot more could be achieved vis-à-vis the Regional Airports Programme.”