Kerry Airport is of critical importance to the local economy and tourism sector

A commitment from the Minister for Transport to continue investing in Kerry Airport and to develop a new regional airports programme for 2026-2030 has been welcomed.

Kerry TD Michael Cahill raised concerns over the future of public service obligation (PSO) funding in the event that the current airline operating at Kerry Airport withdraws.

He also highlighted the ongoing difficulty in attracting airlines to develop new routes and stressed the need to secure key international connections, such as London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol.

“The future of Kerry Airport is of critical importance to the local economy and tourism sector,” said Deputy Cahill.

Deputy Michael Cahill: Vital connections
Minister Darragh O’Brien: Funding pledge

“Without reliable connectivity, businesses, local residents and visitors will suffer,” he warned.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, confirmed that the Government remains committed to regional airport investment and will prioritise the development of a new programme to succeed the current one, which expires in 2025.

Minister O’Brien said his department would soon engage with the market to explore an Exchequer-funded start-up aid scheme to support strategic route development for regional airports, including Kerry.

Deputy Cahill remarked: “It is encouraging that the minister has committed to developing a successor programme and is considering new measures to attract airlines to our regional airports.

“Kerry Airport needs sustainable and reliable air links to international hubs and I will continue working to ensure that we secure these vital connections.”

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