Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary TD has welcomed the allocation of €365,700 to Ireland West Airport Knock under the Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention Scheme,

The funding was allocated to the airport by the Department of Transport after it submitted a funding application earlier this year.

Minister Calleary welcomed the allocation of the funding and congratulated Ireland West Airport Knock on its continued success.

“Ireland West Airport Knock has continued to thrive despite the very difficult conditions in the last year and their efforts really are to be commended.

“The amount received under the subvention scheme this year is less than some other regional airports, but that is a reflection of the success of the airport. This funding is allocated by the Government to assist regional airports with losses, and because Ireland West Airport Knock is achieving such commercial success on its own, it is not in need of as much assistance under this particular scheme.

“The fact that they expect their passenger numbers this year to be close to the 2009 levels despite the serious ash disruptions earlier his year is testament to the success of the operation.

“I was very happy to welcome the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD to the airport a few weeks ago to launch a report into the feasibility for establishing an enterprise park in the area of the airport. This project has great potential for creating jobs in Mayo and I am working with the Minister and the airport authorities to ensure that every opportunity is explored to make this enterprise park a reality,” concluded Minister Dara Calleary TD.