Knock Airport will be vital to the West of Ireland’s economic recovery when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
That’s according to Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, who welcomed the supports announced by the government this week for regional airports.
The government announced this week that Knock airport will receive a once-off grant along with Kerry and Donegal airports for Covid related losses in 2020.
“I welcome the supports announced by the government and I look forward to having the opportunity to analyse the details of the package,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“I want to acknowledge the staff and particularly the 43 workers who were made redundant due to a collapse in revenue and passenger numbers due to Covid. A further 100 workers have been temporarily laid-off.
“The airport supports a further 3,000 jobs and it is vital that these are protected. We must use the EU state aid temporary framework as an opportunity to target funding to ensure the viability of IWAK.”
Knock is the largest airport categorised as a regional airport and the fourth largest airport in the state.
“It serves 1.2 million people in the North West. 2020 was forecast to be another record-breaking year with a million passengers,” added Deputy Conway-Walsh.
“Knock Airport is a success story in terms of regional development. We need to make sure that progress is maintained and built upon.”
