While visiting Donegal Airport in Carrickfinn, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers announced the investment and noted an increase in passenger traffic at regional airports.

Ireland West Airport, Knock, will receive €3.66 million in capital financing for 2024; Donegal Airport will receive €1.299 million, and Kerry Airport will receive €681,000.

Funding allocations include investments in airport safety and security as well as projects with a sustainability focus.

According to Mr. Chambers, "ten of the projects approved for funding, amounting to €1.2 million, have a fundamental sustainability focus, even though many of the supported projects have environmental aspects." Plans for reducing carbon emissions in Ireland West and Donegal are among them.

"Other projects include the upgrade to electric vehicles at Kerry Airport and at Ireland West," he stated.

Mr. Chambers emphasised the value that the government places on regional airports, pointing out that Ireland's five regional airports provide excellent connection to the UK, Europe, and North America.

In comparison with 2019 passenger volumes, the last comparable time before COVID-19, he noted, passenger traffic at regional airports increased by 9% last year.

According to Mr. Chambers, there was a 16% increase in passenger traffic in the first quarter of this year over the same period the previous year.