SHANNON AIRPORT has been granted €1.93m in funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
In February, Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the programme was confirmed with the scope altered to allow airports with up to three million passengers avail of the funding. This allocation forms part of the 2026 Capital Funding Allocation. €8m in total was announced by Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien as part of the Regional Airports Programme.
Funding is to go towards airport safety and security infrastructure according to management of Shannon Airport. Capital projects set to benefit include the upgrade of the airfield security perimeter fence and the replacement of fire tender for airport fire service.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said, “We warmly welcome today’s 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”.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) labelled it is “a very positive investment for Shannon Airport and the people of Clare. Backing Shannon Airport is about backing the people of Clare. It is about making sure our communities are well connected and that local businesses can grow and attract investment”.
Crowe who is the party’s spokesperson on aviation and Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group added, “This funding will deliver practical upgrades, including improvements to the airfield security perimeter and the replacement of a fire tender. These are essential works that strengthen safety and improve the overall standard of the airport. I have consistently made the case for increased investment in Shannon, and it is important to see that recognised in this funding.”
He stated, “A stronger, more attractive Shannon Airport puts us in a better position to grow routes, bring in more visitors and support jobs across Clare.
“Shannon is central to the Mid-West and investment like this helps ensure it continues to compete and deliver for the region. This is about steady, practical investment that improves the airport and, in turn, improves what it can offer to the people of Clare”.
Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) said the funding recognised Shannon’s regional and national importance. “This news is really positive because it allows for the funding that the airport normally gets from passenger charges, to use that money instead to develop new routes and attract more passengers on existing routes”.
Dooley continued, “It will be to the long-term benefit not just of the airport and the people who work there but also to the wider region in ensuring that we continue to support the existing traffic through there and try to build on the existing routes but really importantly equip the airport to attract new airlines and develop new routes to come and visit Clare”.
Ireland West Airport in Knock received the biggest allocation of €2.83m followed by Kerry Airport €2.77m, Shannon Airport €1.93m, and Donegal Airport €367,000.
