Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has published Ireland’s new Regional Airports Programme, setting aside almost €45 million in capital grants between 2026 and 2030 to strengthen connectivity outside Dublin. The headline change is an expanded eligibility threshold: airports handling up to three million passengers – a bracket that now captures Shannon as well as Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal – can bid for funding.
In 2026 alone, €9 million in capital and a further €10 million in operational supports are available. Shannon, Ireland’s second-largest long-haul gateway, will receive “step-down” support as it grows towards three million passengers, enabling runway overlay and U.S. pre-clearance upgrades. Ireland West will be protected even if it exceeds the previous one-million-passenger ceiling, safeguarding a key Wild Atlantic Way access point for U.S. tourist charters.
The programme also ring-fences money for public-service-obligation (PSO) routes. The existing Donegal–Dublin service is secure, while officials confirmed that a long-discussed Dublin–Derry PSO could launch later this year, restoring an air bridge severed during the pandemic. Sustainability is another pillar: airports must demonstrate projects that cut carbon emissions or enhance climate resilience to qualify for top-tier grants.
![Government unveils €45 m Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030]()
Travellers planning to use these bolstered regional airports should also confirm their visa and entry requirements well ahead of departure. VisaHQ’s dedicated Ireland page (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) streamlines the process with an easy questionnaire, real-time status tracking and expert support, ensuring tourists, business delegates and new hires alike can capitalise on the improved connectivity without administrative hiccups.
For multinationals located outside the capital – notably in the Shannon Free Zone, Galway’s med-tech cluster and Mayo’s life-sciences corridor – the funding offers strategic reassurance that direct air links will keep pace with hiring plans. Global mobility managers report that reliable regional connectivity is a recurring question in expatriate assignment negotiations, particularly among North American talent reluctant to route every trip through Dublin.
The Department of Transport will open the first competitive call for projects in April. Eligible airports are already compiling wish-lists that include hold-baggage screening upgrades to meet upcoming EU regulations and installation of next-generation CT scanners to allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in hand luggage – a time-saver for frequent business flyers.
In 2026 alone, €9 million in capital and a further €10 million in operational supports are available. Shannon, Ireland’s second-largest long-haul gateway, will receive “step-down” support as it grows towards three million passengers, enabling runway overlay and U.S. pre-clearance upgrades. Ireland West will be protected even if it exceeds the previous one-million-passenger ceiling, safeguarding a key Wild Atlantic Way access point for U.S. tourist charters.
The programme also ring-fences money for public-service-obligation (PSO) routes. The existing Donegal–Dublin service is secure, while officials confirmed that a long-discussed Dublin–Derry PSO could launch later this year, restoring an air bridge severed during the pandemic. Sustainability is another pillar: airports must demonstrate projects that cut carbon emissions or enhance climate resilience to qualify for top-tier grants.
Travellers planning to use these bolstered regional airports should also confirm their visa and entry requirements well ahead of departure. VisaHQ’s dedicated Ireland page (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) streamlines the process with an easy questionnaire, real-time status tracking and expert support, ensuring tourists, business delegates and new hires alike can capitalise on the improved connectivity without administrative hiccups.
For multinationals located outside the capital – notably in the Shannon Free Zone, Galway’s med-tech cluster and Mayo’s life-sciences corridor – the funding offers strategic reassurance that direct air links will keep pace with hiring plans. Global mobility managers report that reliable regional connectivity is a recurring question in expatriate assignment negotiations, particularly among North American talent reluctant to route every trip through Dublin.
The Department of Transport will open the first competitive call for projects in April. Eligible airports are already compiling wish-lists that include hold-baggage screening upgrades to meet upcoming EU regulations and installation of next-generation CT scanners to allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in hand luggage – a time-saver for frequent business flyers.
