Shannon Airport has been given a timely Christmas boost following the allocation of €7.1 million in funding for the airport under the Regional Airports’ Programme.
This multi-million Euro funding announcement was made by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD.
Welcoming the funding allocation, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said it demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting the region’s connectivity and the broader economic benefits this brings to the region.
“This funding supported some of the vital safety and security operational costs of running Shannon Airport during 2023.”
Commenting on the mid-term review of the Regional Airports’ Programme, which is due for completion shortly Ms Considine said the inclusion of Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme over the past few years has been invaluable in supporting its efforts to grow air connectivity, which is so vital for the business and leisure industries across the West of Ireland.
“The Shannon Airport Group are proud of what we have been able to achieve so far. We know that if Shannon Airport were included permanently in the Regional Airports’ Programme, we can achieve even more for the people of our region while supporting the Government’s ambition to achieve balanced regional development.”
The mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme, which is nearing completion, is looking at how the Programme is delivering on its objectives of supporting balanced regional development and how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced.
Deputy Cathal Crowe said this funding ensures Shannon Airport is in a strong position to compete with other airports in 2024.
“Shannon Airport was disproportionally hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and many predicted that it would not each recovery point until 2025. Shannon Airport’s recovery has exceeded all expectations and it has achieved a bumper 2023 season.
“This new funding will help Mary Considine and her management team to meet significant operational costs in the airport in 2024, and I am hopeful that the new year will see Shannon Airport secure new routes into North America and Continental Europe.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.