Funding of €21.3 million has been announced for Ireland’s regional airports to stay connected during Covid-19.
Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock) airports will be eligible to apply for shares of the funding in 2021.
It comes as part of the new Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 which was announced today.
The focus of the programme is to help Ireland’s smallest airports, those that handle less than 1 million annual passengers, to maintain regulatory compliance in the areas of safety and security.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD said: “The aviation industry and in particular airports have been acutely impacted by Covid-19. Government has recognised this and is committed to supporting airports while passenger numbers remain low and activity is suppressed. This new programme, which will greatly assist in maintaining connectivity in our regional airports, has a budget of €21.3 million in 2021.
“I am also pleased to say that, for the first time, the Programme will take account of climate objectives and support the ‘greening’ of Irish airports. Funding will be available to encourage airports to reduce emissions and to build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change. I would like all our airports to achieve carbon neutrality over the next five years as part of our national efforts to combat climate change.”
The Programme provides both capital and operational support to airports and is in line with State aid rules. It also provides funding for contracted daily flights under an existing Public Service Obligation. The routes currently being served are Donegal-Dublin and Kerry-Dublin.
