A new report from the International Airport Council has prompted further appeals for greater Government investment in Shannon Airport amid rising operational costs and the push towards decarbonisation.
The Clare facility faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness and supporting regional tourism and connectivity, with stakeholders saying financial support is needed to sustain growth and infrastructure upgrades in the Mid-West.
Key developments and demands include:
- Inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme (RAP): Shannon Airport and Ryanair have issued joint calls to increase the programme’s passenger cap from 1m to 3m. Shannon, which saw 2.1m passengers last year, is currently “penalised” for its growth by becoming ineligible for this vital state funding.
- Strategic Infrastructure Proposals: In its submission for the National Development Plan (NDP) review, the Shannon Airport Group requested funding for:
- The Shannon Airport Rail Link to enhance accessibility for over 10,000 daily commuters.
- Targeted capital investment to improve operational capacity, safety, and sustainability.
- Implementation of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce (SEET) recommendations.
The Government of Ireland previously provided Shannon with approximately €7.1m in late 2023 under the RAP, but permanent inclusion in the scheme remains the primary goal for airport management.
