Few of items in regional media this week, good to see regional business and authorities getting behind the airport:
20,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ireland West Airport Knock in Co Mayo over the bank holiday weekend. Passenger numbers are up 10pc from the same period last year, with UK and sun-holiday destinations proving popular.
Airports packed as thousands flee for a welcome dose of sun - Independent.ie
A SENIOR delegation representing the EU directorate general for competition has met with the board of Ireland West Airport Knock to hear their concerns regarding the government’s €300 million bailout of their rival, Shannon Airport.
Connaught Telegraph - EU competition authority meets with Knock airport Board
Galway County Council support Ireland West Airport Knock in its position as a strategic airport in the West of Ireland and calling on the Government to provide the full amount of funding being sought for the airport’s development. The Council passed both motions unanimously.
Passengers travelling via Ireland West Airport Knock spent 200,000 bed nights and a total of €25 million in Galway last year, Galway County Council heard this week.
Airport management and trustees informed councillors at Monday’s council meeting that 30 per cent of all inbound visitors to the airport stayed in Galway City or County. Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of the Mayo transport hub, also revealed that 23 per cent of all its outgoing passengers in 2012 came from the Galway region.
Galway Independent | Council back Knock funding bid
Almost 30 businesses from around the region have met with the airport in a show of solidarity and recognition of its vital role for business and the region. The support from business people follows recent motions of support passed by county councils throughout the region in Roscommon, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo endorsing the airport’s future plans and its importance to the West and North West.
Regional development organisations Council for the West and the Western Development Commission have also put on public record their support for the airport, highlighting the critical importance of the airport from a regional development perspective and the substantial contribution the airport makes to the economy of the Western region, whilst welcoming news of the strategic study being undertaken by Government to support the airport’s development plans.
Commenting on recent developments, Liam Scollan, Chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock, said, “We have been overwhelmed by the positive support and backing we have received from a multitude of organisations from across the region who recognise the development potential at Ireland West Airport Knock and the importance and vital role this airport plays for the Western region.
Galway Independent | 'Strong backing' for Ireland West Airport Knock