Minister O’Brien announces funding under new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.   
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. 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.  
The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. Accordingly, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). The airports that currently meet the criteria for the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. 
Minister O’Brien said:
“The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities. 
“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. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment.
“I am delighted to announce that, for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. 
“In recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this Programme, the Programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold. Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports.
“In addition, to maximise the existing capacity at Shannon Airport, the Programme will also provide capital supports, on a further step-down basis, to airports with over 1.5 million and up to three million annual passengers. Shannon Airport is Ireland’s second largest long-haul airport after Dublin and is of strategic importance for the State. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: 
“Both Ireland West and Shannon provide key gateways to the west, northwest and the midlands, serving international business needs and bringing tourists directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 
“The expanded Regional Airports Programme will bring funding security to Ireland West Airport over the next five years, as it continues to grow from last year’s record of 946,000 passengers. Shannon Airport is strategically and nationally important: open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, with passenger traffic of 2.3 million last year, and offering a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft using Irish airspace. Including Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme supports this critical national infrastructure as it continues to grow towards three million passengers.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: 
“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. This new Programme will continue to support airports in attracting new business, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.” 
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 eligible 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.  
The Programme will also support Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services. Currently, one PSO air service is in place between Donegal and Dublin airports. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to engage with all relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports, it is expected that a PSO air service between Dublin and Derry will also be introduced later this year.