It's been a great week for the transport sector in Mayo.
Knock Airport is to receive €2.3 million in funds from the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Minister Shane Ross TD has confirmed.
The funding comes as part of a €3.85m allocation for regional airports, which also includes Donegal and Kerry.
Commenting on the news, Minister Ross said: "Following on from the National Aviation Policy 2015, there is a continuing commitment by the Partnership Government in Project Ireland 2040 to support safety and security related projects at the smaller regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme. The grant allocations announced today underpin this commitment."
Minster for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring welcomed the news in a statement, saying: "It has been confirmed to me by my Cabinet colleague, Minister Shane Ross, that Ireland West Airport Knock is to receive €2.3 million in funding which will go towards capital investments in the areas of safety and security at the airport.
"This was part of a €3.85 million funding allocation for regional airports, with Knock getting significantly more than the other recipients, Donegal and Kerry."
The funding will go towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at Ireland West Airport Knock, with the Minister adding: "There is a continuing commitment by the Government in Project Ireland 2040 to support safety and security-related projects at regional airports such as Knock under the Regional Airports Programme. The grant allocations announced today underpin this commitment.
"Over €15 million has been invested in the airport by Governments of which I have been a part since 2011. This has funded major upgrades to Ireland West Airport Knock, which is now a modern, high spec facility. Crucially, Project Ireland 2040 designates Knock as one of the four main airports in the country and commits to further financial investment. The airport is also recognised as a Strategic Development Zone. I believe the future is bright."
As part of the Airport Grant Allocation, Donegal Airport received €326,70, while Kerry received €1,222,519.
This is the second significant boost in less than a week for County Mayo and the west of Ireland, after the Minister was able to confirm that the construction of the N5 Westport-Turlough had received a green light and would be going to tender for the procurement of a main contractor.
A major government initiative that will cost approximately €170 million, which includes land and construction expenses, Minister Ring championed the news as a "game changer" and "one of the most significant projects in the West in a generation".
