Ireland West Airport has welcomed the announcement of funding of €5,000,541 towards Capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport. The funding is provided to support critical Safety and Security Projects under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. The Programme will support major safety and security related projects this year such as:
- Upgrade of the Airports Electrical Infrastructure across the entire airport facility
- Runway End Safety Area works
- New Fire Tender Vehicle
- Baggage X-Ray & Security Screening Systems
- Installation of new state of the art Central Search Security Equipment
The announcement was made today by Minister for State with special responsibility for aviation, Minister Jack Chambers T.D. as part of a €17m investment in capital projects for regional airports in Ireland.
In addition to the exchequer funding announced today, the airport will invest over €1 million to support the completion of these projects.
One of the key projects in the next phase of security related works, as part of this programme, will be the installation of a new state of the art passenger security screening system later this year. The new security screening system will allow passengers to keep their liquids and electronic devices in their baggage. Implementing this new technology means that the 100ml restriction on liquids whilst passing through security will be lifted also. When completed, the airport will have the latest security technology installed, reducing security screening times and further enhancing the passenger experience when using the airport. These critical safety and security projects are in addition to works already completed over the winter period, which included the resurfacing and upgrading of parts of the airport car park to provide further capacity and improve the experience for customers using our car parks. In addition, upgrade and essential maintenance works are almost complete for the airports upstairs Sláinte Restaurant which plans to reopen before June.
Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport said ‘We welcome today’s announcement of funding by the Minister Jack Chambers TD, which will assist the airport in undertaking critically important safety and security related projects this year. This funding will support the latest phase of our airport transformation programme aimed at both futureproofing the airport and ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our customers as we prepare for a record summer flight schedule. In particular the introduction of the new state of the art security screening system later this year will make the experience for passengers using the airport an even quicker and more seamless one and we expect this will be received with great enthusiasm and delight by passengers. I wish to thank the Taoiseach, Ministers Ryan and also to our local TD’s and political representatives for their strong support for the airport and the regions it serves’
Local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed the announcement saying:
“Ireland West Airport is one of the best assets we have as a region with commuting times of an hour or less from may parts of Roscommon, Sligo, and South Leitrim. Access to many regions across the UK and Europe facilitates tourists visiting many parts of my constituency for short and medium breaks. Knock and Ireland West is a stress-free zone allowing people to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger airports like Dublin”.
“I want to commend the government and Minister Chambers for their generous allocation and to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who has given his personal support for the airport over many years”.
“Finally, I wish to congratulate the airport manager alongside the board for their continuing good work bringing investment and increasing numbers to the airport every year”, concluded Deputy Feighan.
