Dublin — 4 December 2025 — Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced €4 million in new operational funding for Ireland’s regional airports, supporting essential services at Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal under the Regional Airports Programme 2021–2025.
The allocations for 2025 are as follows:
- Ireland West Airport: €1.9 million
- Kerry Airport: €1.4 million
- Donegal Airport: €0.7 million
- Total: €4 million
The funding will cover key operational costs including air traffic control, fire and rescue services, and security screening, ensuring the airports can maintain safe and reliable operations throughout the year.
This latest round of support follows €7.8 million in capital funding announced earlier in 2025, which has helped strengthen infrastructure and expand capacity across the regional network. According to the Department of Transport, passenger traffic at the three airports grew by 11% between January and September compared with the same period last year, reflecting rising demand for regional connectivity.
Minister O’Brien said the investment underscores the Government’s commitment to sustaining regional aviation as a driver of economic development, tourism and balanced growth. “The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting international connectivity and regional development,” he said, noting that this is the final funding round under the current programme.
He confirmed that work is already underway on a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030, which the Department of Transport aims to publish early in the new year.
Czech Republic Věra Jourová and Ireland Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien Picture by Jennifer Jacquemart
