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 2021-2025.

The funding has been allocated to eligible regional airports in Ireland West (Knock), Kerry, and Donegal airports.

This funding will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change, according to the Department of Transport.

Among the key upgrades are:

  • Ireland West Airport: installation of a solar PV farm, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and continuation of its Aerodrome Fire Training Centre.

  • Kerry Airport: new snow-clearing equipment, perimeter road upgrades, and modernised security and fire safety equipment.

  • Donegal Airport: solar PV panel installation, a wildlife management system, and improvements to airfield safety systems.

Minister O’Brien said the targeted investment “is an indication of the importance the Government attaches to our regional airports,” adding that passenger numbers at regional airports have seen steady growth, with a 6% increase in traffic in Q1 of this year alone.

The Department of Transport is also progressing work on a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030, aiming to build on the momentum of the current strategy.

Local frustration

Following the announcement of the funding, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, David Cullinane, says Waterford is yet again left behind when it comes to Waterford Airport.

He said it was “incredible” that funding has been announced so far this month for Cork, Knock, Donegal, and Kerry Airports, but not for Waterford.

Deputy Cullinane said that he does not begrudge investment in any other county, but that Waterford is being “poorly served” by its Government TDs.

Deputy Cullinane said: “It is simply incredible that another announcement has been made on capital funding for regional airports, which does not include Waterford.

“Nearly €8 million in capital funding was announced by Minister O’Brien today for regional airports, following an announcement two weeks ago of €200 million for Cork Airport by the Taoiseach, but not a cent for Waterford.

“Despite repeated pleas over several years and a lot of effort from everyone involved, the Government has still not funded the vital runway extension at Waterford Airport. We are facing hurdle after hurdle, and this latest announcement adds insult to injury.

“I do not begrudge any other county of its funding, but Waterford is being poorly served by our Government TDs.

“I have repeatedly raised the need for funding to advance the Waterford Airport runway extension. At what point are the Government TDs going to step up to the mark and deliver funding for Waterford Airport?”

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has also sharply criticised the Government’s latest decision to exclude Waterford Airport from regional airport funding allocations — describing it as a “calculated and ongoing neglect of Waterford and the South East” — and has called on Government Ministers John Cummins and Mary Butler to “stop covering for this blatant disregard” and stand up for their county.

“Let’s call this what it is — calculated neglect. Waterford Airport is ready to go. The project is costed, planned, and regionally backed. The missing piece is Government commitment,” said Deputy McGuinness.

“Minister Mary Butler and Minister John Cummins need to stop providing political cover for this ongoing snub. It’s not enough to issue soft statements after the fact — they’re part of the Government making these decisions. If they won’t fight for Waterford, who will?”

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