Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for outlining just how special is Ireland West Airport Knock, known to us locally in Mayo as Knock Airport. It first opened its doors in 1985 with just three chartered flights to Rome. Since then it has grown to become Ireland's fourth busiest airport after Cork, Shannon and Dublin airports. In 2019 more than 800,000 passengers passed through its doors. The airport directly employs 100 people and indirectly employs 3,000 people across the region due to its impact in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It was stated in 1985 that it could not be done and that an airport could never be a realistic option on a hill in the foggy and boggy grasslands of Mayo. Monsignor James Horan proved them wrong and in five years he built that airport, opened its doors and there it stands today going from strength to strength.It has not, however, been untouched by the pandemic and, like the aviation sector right across the country, has sustained massive losses this year. It is looking at losing approximately €4 million in 2020, a colossal loss the like of which the airport has never seen and which cannot be sustained. It has seen its passenger numbers drop by 90% and will close its doors for the second time on 14 November for four weeks. The airport will not survive if it does not receive the funding it needs from the Government, and that is why I raise this today. I am asking the Minister of State directly to provide to Ireland West Airport Knock the money it needs to cover its losses, just to break even and make sure it survives.

I cannot stress enough the importance of the airport not just to County Mayo but to the entire north-west region. It is our connection to the world and to the rest of this country. We need this airport. Its impact on jobs locally and right across the region cannot be overestimated. Will the Minister of State give a commitment that the Government will provide to Ireland West Airport Knock the money it needs to sustain itself and ensure it can survive post the pandemic?