Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien 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.”
Welcoming the announcement, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “We are very pleased that Shannon Airport has been included in the new Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030. This represents a strong endorsement of Shannon’s strategic importance to balanced regional development and our role in supporting sustainable connectivity for the West and Mid-West. It will support essential upgrades and ongoing investment to ensure our airport infrastructure remains resilient and future‑ready.
Inclusion in this programme is something we have consistently highlighted as essential to ensuring that Shannon Airport can continue to deliver on its full potential for the country.
We would like to thank Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport, and we look forward to working closely with them as we advance these important initiatives for the region and the communities we serve.”
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.”
Clare Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe said the news represents a significant endorsement of Shannon’s recovery and growth.
“This fund is very welcome in terms of meeting the burdensome costs associated with capital projects. Many people predicted that Shannon Airport would struggle to bounce back after the global slump in aviation on account of the global pandemic. Because of the growth of the airport, it found itself outside of the total passenger numbers that would have qualified it for State aid funding. Now, with the raising of this figure, it means it will become eligible again.”
He noted that previous State investment has delivered measurable improvements for passengers and airport operations.
“Over the years, Shannon Airport has made great use of the funding available from the State. The total overhaul of their screening facilities has made the airport even more attractive as an airport to fly through.”
“At the beginning of this Dáil term I established the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group, which I currently chair. We meet regularly with senior officials and, as a group, we work across party lines to try to get the best results for Shannon.”
He said the timing of the capital funding is critical in sustaining momentum at the airport.
“With the imminent lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap, this announcement was needed to maintain the positive progress in Shannon. I will continue to work as a strong advocate for the airport, particularly in respect of our ongoing requirements for additional funding and further route expansion.”
Deputy Crowe concluded by reiterating Shannon’s strategic importance to regional connectivity, tourism and enterprise across the Mid-West.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley has also welcomed the news.
He said: “Shannon operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It supports thousands of jobs and provides vital connectivity for tourism and international business. This funding framework recognises that strategic role
The Regional Airports Programme is designed to support connectivity and balanced regional development, while ensuring airports can meet European Union safety and security obligations. Projects focused on sustainability and carbon reduction, in line with the Climate Action Plan, will also be eligible for support.
Minister Dooley added: “The expansion of this Programme sends a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to regional investment and national connectivity. Shannon Airport is vital to economic growth across the Mid West and is a key part of Ireland’s national aviation infrastructure. This capital funding ensures it has the support required to continue delivering for the region and for the country as a whole.”
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.