Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

547.To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to support the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport Knock; when the feasibility study will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31304/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that in 2017 Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) received approval for the designation of lands as an area for the establishment of a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The airport is a critical piece of enterprise enabling infrastructure for the region and the SDZ designation has the potential to significantly enhance the airport’s role as a driver of regional economic development.

The West Regional Enterprise Plan includes an objective to advance the development of the regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the region. Action five under this objective focuses on strengthening the enterprise strategy for the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at IWAK. Progress is ongoing in relation to this action.

In 2022 my Department’s Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS), administered by Enterprise Ireland, provided priming and feasibility funding support for early stage projects to develop and advance their plans enabling preparation for the investigation and confirmation of concepts with potential for enterprise innovation. The Horan Airport Trust secured funding under the REISS to undertake a feasibility study looking at the potential for an ‘Infinity Hub’ at Knock Airport as a focal point for the circular economy and its development for industry and clustering activity across sectors. The feasibility report, which is an early stage concept document, has been completed. I understand that the Horan Airport Trust are examining the content of the report and it is a matter for the airport management team to determine the next steps.

I can assure the Deputy that I am, as is Government, very supportive of the SDZ at Ireland Airport West Knock. I was very pleased to see that a Project Manager, who is being funded by my Department to develop a pathway to progress the SDZ, will be taking up the position at the end of August.

The work of the Project Manager is overseen by a Steering Committee which is chaired by Mayo County Council and includes representatives from key stakeholders including my own Department. The Steering Committee has met on three occasions with the next meeting scheduled for September 2024.

This appointment is a very positive step forward and will help deliver on a key Government priority of more balanced and sustainable regional development.