Ireland West Airport welcomes new Regional Airports Programme

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.

The airport now serves 21 international destinations and is served by three of Europe’s major international airlines: Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe, and Ryanair.

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.

“We welcome Government‘s recognition of the significant importance of the airport for the West, Northwest and Midlands regions of Ireland as the airport continues to work with our airline partners to deliver critical international air connectivity from a business, leisure and tourism perspective.

“Furthermore, the continued investment in our capital infrastructure and sustainability programme are of critical importance in achieving our carbon reduction targets. We wish to thank Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Sean Canney, and our local political representatives for their ongoing support for the airport, and we look forward to working closely with them over the lifetime of the new programme,” he said.