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Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the allocation of almost €8 million in Exchequer funding to Regional Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
Delivering on a Programme for Government commitment, this new five-year programme was published in February. For the first time, the programme has broadened scope to support airports with up to three million annual passengers, making Shannon Airport eligible to receive support.
Minister O’Brien said:
“I am pleased to allocate almost €8 million in capital funding this year to support Shannon, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports. This level of targeted support, provided under this Government’s new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional airports. This funding will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across our regional airports. 
“Among the 32 projects being supported this year are replacement Fire Tenders at Shannon and Kerry airports. Other significant investments include new safety and security upgrades across all four airports. The funding will also enable the completion of a solar PV farm project at Ireland West Airport, which will provide the airport with electricity from renewable resources.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said:
“Strong, well‑connected regional airports are essential to economic development, tourism and job creation. The Regional Airports Programme funding helps our airports to meet future demand and to further build their resilience.   
“I’m pleased to see Shannon Airport now included in this programme, in addition to Ireland West Airport, Kerry and Donegal. These airports are critical pieces of national infrastructure and this investment will aid them as they continue to grow sustainably.” 
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said:
“This significant capital funding underlines the Government’s strong commitment to our regional airports. Shannon, Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports are not only vital to maintaining connectivity for the communities and businesses they serve, but act as gateways for visitors to some of the most beautiful parts of our country.”
The 2026 capital funding allocations for each airport are:

2026 Capital Funding Allocations

This funding will support capital investment in the areas of safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.