Ireland West Airport has welcomed today’s publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien. The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million of capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. The programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. 2025 was the busiest year on record at Ireland West Airport, with passenger numbers reaching 946,381 for the first time in the airport’s history, surpassing the previous record of 834,000 passengers set in 2024, a 13.5% increase, making it Ireland’s fastest-growing airport last year. Welcoming the announcement, Chairman of Ireland West Airport, Arthur French said: “The extension of the Regional Airports Programme is positive news for the airport and regional Ireland as the funding will support the airports ongoing significant costs in maintaining compliance with the EU’s safety and security related obligations, providing modern fire support and training facilities as well as maintaining a modern regional airport air traffic control operation.

Source: The Herald February 26, 2026 14:02 UTC