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Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, has announced a funding allocation of €2.284 million to Cork Airport as part of the new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This initiative aims to support carbon reduction targets and enhance resilience against climate change at regional airports.
The announcement, which comes as part of a total €4.219 million funding package for both Cork and Shannon airports, is focused on sustainability-driven projects. Cork’s allocation will specifically be used to replace diesel-powered ground power units with electric models, reducing the airport’s reliance on fossil fuels and advancing its carbon-neutral goals. Additionally, a Solar PV Farm will be developed at Cork Airport, providing up to 25% of the airport’s current electrical demand from renewable energy sources. The initiative allows for potential future expansion, reducing the airport’s dependency on the national grid.
James Lawless, Minister of State for Transport, highlighted the significance of this funding for Cork:
“I am pleased to announce these funding allocations, which will contribute towards capital investment in Solar PV Farms at both Shannon and Cork airports. These projects, the first of their kind to be funded at our regional airports, will provide up to 25% of these airports’ current electrical demand from renewable energy. 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.”
The funding falls under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, which was developed following a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. Although Cork and Shannon airports typically exceed the passenger limits to qualify for this programme, both became temporarily eligible following a significant drop in passenger numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cork Airport has shown strong recovery, with an 11% increase in passenger numbers this year. This growth is expected to continue with the addition of new routes and increased flight frequencies, further strengthening Cork’s position as a key hub for regional air travel.
Minister Lawless concluded:
“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 have enabled this connectivity and strong growth in our regions.”