Latest News

Image

Ireland West Airport welcomes announcement by Government of funding support for completion of runway overlay project

Share:

Ireland West Airport welcomes yesterday’s announcement of funding of €8.4m for the airport to support the completion of the airports runway overlay project in 2019.

The funding which represents 75% of the total estimated project costs as permitted under EU state aid guidelines will provide for a rehabilitation of the airports 2,400m runway. The airport will also invest close to €3 million in completing the project in addition to the exchequer funding. The overlay, which includes a complete resurfacing and the installation of new ground lighting systems is required to ensure that the runway continues to meet the strict regulations governing the operation and specification of runways at major airports

Runway 26/08 which opened in 1985, has seen over 10 million passengers land and take off on it and is a critical element of the airports infrastructure. This is the first time in its 33 year history that the runway has had a full overhaul. 

Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport said ‘We welcome yesterday’s announcement of funding by the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue TD as part of Budget 2019, to support the rehabilitation and overlay of the airports runway in 2019. This is the biggest project undertaken by the airport in recent years and when completed will safeguard the airports runway for the next 25 years.The famous runway has been the backbone of the airport over the last 33 years and has enabled the airport to grow from 9,000 passengers in 1986 to what will be a record 770,000 passengers in 2018. I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of  An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport, Shane Ross, TD. Minister Michael Ring, TD and local political representatives, We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government, regional and local government representatives and our local authority partners and stakeholders in continuing the support for the Airport’s growth and development plans as part of the recently announced 10-year National Development Plan’. 

-ENDS-