The Shannon Airport Group has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transport of €1.93 million in funding for the first time for Shannon Airport under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
This funding comes under the 2026 Capital Funding Allocation, following confirmation in February of this year of Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the programme.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the allocation of almost €8 million in Exchequer funding to Regional Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
This new five-year programme was published in February. For the first time, the programme has broadened scope to support airports with up to three million annual passengers, making Shannon Airport eligible to receive support.
Minister O’Brien said: “I am pleased to allocate almost €8 million in capital funding this year to support Shannon, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports. This level of targeted support, provided under this Government’s new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional airports. This funding will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across our regional airports.
“Among the 32 projects being supported this year are replacement Fire Tenders at Shannon and Kerry airports. Other significant investments include new safety and security upgrades across all four airports. The funding will also enable the completion of a solar PV farm project at Ireland West Airport, which will provide the airport with electricity from renewable resources.”
Commenting on the announcement, Ray O’Driscoll, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “We warmly welcome this confirmation of €1.93 million in capital funding for Shannon Airport in the first year of the Regional Airports Programme running from 2026 to 2030. This funding will support continued investment in essential airport safety and security infrastructure.
“We would like to thank Minister Darragh O’Brien and the Department of Transport for the funding and their continued support. We look forward to working closely with the Department as the Regional Airports Programme progresses.”