*Shannon Airport Group Chairman, Conal Henry, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless (FF) and the Shannon Airport Group CEO, Mary Considine.
SHANNON AIRPORT has been included in a new sustainability programme where it will share a capital budget with Cork Airport worth €4.225m.
Newly appointed Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless (FF) made his first visit to Shannon Airport since succeeding Jack Chambers (FF) on Tuesday where he announced a new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme with a capital budget of €4.225m to support Shannon and Cork airport’s sustainability plans.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group said the investment will assist Shannon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. “It will augment our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations, and we thank the government for their support”.
Commenting on the Lawless’ inaugural visit to Shannon Airport today, she said that it was a “great opportunity” to show what has been achieved and their plans for the future. “I was pleased to welcome Minister Lawless to Shannon so he could witness first-hand the benefits of using Shannon as an alternative to Dublin Airport focusing on ease of access, lack of congestion, and the attractive incentive schemes we offer airlines.
“Shannon Airport is an excellent alternative to Dublin Airport for international visitors eager to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and for Irish people looking to conduct business or enjoy overseas leisure holidays. Shannon Airport has a pivotal role to play in assisting with alleviating the current capacity issues at Dublin Airport, enabling balanced regional development by aligning passenger journeys closer to where they want to travel to and from, and ensuring that Ireland’s aviation market continues to thrive,” she added.
During his visit, the Junior Minister toured Shannon Airport and got to see first-hand the ease of using Shannon and the many world firsts and innovative initiatives for which the airport is known. These include being recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the world’s first Age Friendly airports; being the first airport in the world outside the Americas to introduce full US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facilities; being home to the world’s first duty free; and being the first airport in Europe to open a sensory room.
Kildare North TD, Lawless announced the high-level outcomes of the Mid-term Review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 during the visit. A public consultation was undertaken by the Department of Transport in 2023 to inform a mid-term review of the Programme which currently supports Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports. The review found that the Programme is delivering on its objectives and is in line with Ireland’s National Aviation Policy.
High-level outcomes of the review include the development of the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme and to expand the scope of sustainability projects funded under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 to support projects relating to the production of electricity from renewable sources such as Solar PV farms.
He stated, “I recognise that regional airports face financial challenges in meeting their carbon reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan. In recognition of the importance Government attaches to airports being well positioned to meet their carbon reduction emission targets and build resilience against the likely impact of climate change, I am delighted to announce today a new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This Programme, with a budget of circa. €4m, mirrors the sustainability objectives of the Regional Airports Programme by supporting capital investment at Shannon and Cork airports. This investment builds on the €5.6m capital funding announced for Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports on 25 April. Further operational supports of an additional circa €4m will be allocated to these three airports later this year”.
