In excess of 4.5 million euro in funding has been announced for capital works at Shannon Airport.
Junior Minister with responsibility for aviation, Jack Chambers has confirmed the allocation as part of an overall 17 million euro fund for regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme for 2021 to 2025.
The Minister of State, who’s visiting Shannon today to make the announcement, says the Midwest facility plays a crucial economic role in the region, with their most recent Economic Impact Assessment calculating that it generates close to €1 billion annually to the economy and supports approximately 13,695 jobs.
Minister Jack chambers has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that “the Government is ambitious to continue that capital investment, to future-fit Shannon and other regional airports for ongoing strengthening of the aviation connectivity into our regions”.
Minister Chambers says the funding will go towards capital works that will improve the passenger experience and help the airport to grow route connectivity, while also underpinning the strong economic and community benefits the airport provides for the region.
€4,623,486 will go towards an additional three new passenger air bridges, while there will be additional funding to support work on security screening, airfield rehabilitation and the replacement of number of operational vehicles within the airport to electric vehicles.
As part of his visit to Clare, Minister Jack Chambers will also meet with Councillors later today to discuss additional funding for the county, off the back of an invitation from Clare Senator Timmy Dooley.
Minister Chambers recognises “the importance funding around maintenance and strengthening our local and regional road network, from a tourism and road safety perspective”.
He says he’s looking forward to engaging with Councillors and receiving feedback today.
Listen to the full interview below
The Shannon Airport Group has welcomed today’s announcement of more than 4.6 million euro in Government funding.
CEO Mary considine says “We warmly welcome today’s announcement by Minister Chambers of capital funding of over €4.6 million under the Regional Airports Programme. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting the region’s connectivity and the broader economic benefits this brings to the region.
“The capital funding announced today will support the ongoing programme of replacement of our passenger airbridges, essential airfield rehabilitation works and other projects as we continue to rebuild post-Covid.”
