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Contact Details T: 086 8903154 Email : johnpaul.oshea@cllr.corkcoco.ie

Over €4.2 Million Allocated to Support Sustainability Projects at Shannon and Cork Airports

Over €4.2 Million Allocated to Support Sustainability Projects at Shannon and Cork Airports

21st October 2024

“Major funding has been announced with allocations totalling over €4.2m to support Shannon and Cork Regional State airports in 2024”, Cork North West Fine Gael General Election Candidate Cllr. John Paul O’Shea has said.

“Shannon Airport, which currently handles just over 2 million passengers per year, stands ready to accept up to 5 million.

“Shannon airport could facilitate up to 10 million passengers with an upgrade to the current Terminal.

“This would allow Shannon Airport to meet the needs of business and tourism in the region.”, says Cllr. O’Shea.

The funding for Shannon and Cork airports is being allocated under the new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, which was announced by the Minister on 16 July as part of the high-level outcomes under the mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.  

This new programme was developed to mirror the sustainability objective under the Regional Airports Programme, to support Regional State airports to reach their carbon reduction targets and build resilience against climate change

The €4.2m funding has been allocated as follows:

Airport Grant Allocation
Shannon €1.935m
Cork €2.284m
Total €4.219m

Cllr O’Shea said: “I am delighted to share the funding allocations that will support capital investment in Solar PV Farms at both Shannon and Cork airports. These projects, the first of their kind for our regional airports, will ultimately supply up to 25% of the current electrical demand from renewable energy. Additionally, the solar arrays will facilitate future expansion, enabling the airports to gradually reduce their dependence on energy from the national grid by enhancing on-site generation capacity.

“A water system upgrade project is also being supported at Shannon Airport.  In addition, the replacement of diesel-powered ground power units with electric models at Cork Airport are being supported.” 

 “This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to both Shannon and Cork Regional State airports being well positioned to meet their carbon reduction emissions targets as they move towards net zero. 

Cllr O Shea added: “Ireland has established good connectivity with the UK, Europe and America through our regional airports.  These Exchequer funding allocations announced today for Shannon and Cork Regional State airports, as well as funding provided to all regional airports to date, has enabled this connectivity and strong growth in our regions. 

“Evidence indicates a strong demand among for Irish people to fly from our regional airports, as well as for tourists to arrive directly in these areas when such services are available. I was pleased to note that passenger numbers increased by 9% across our regional airports last year, with an 8% rise so far this year. Specifically, Cork Airport saw an 11% increase, while Shannon Airport experienced a 7% boost. I anticipate that this connectivity will be further improved this winter, following the recent announcements by airlines regarding new routes and increased flight frequencies from Cork, Shannon, and Ireland West Airport”, Cllr. O’Shea concluded.

ENDS