New funding will help develop Shannon Airport as 'alternative to Dublin'

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group has welcomed Tuesday’s announcement at Shannon Airport by James Lawless TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, of a new Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme with a capital budget of €4.225m to support Shannon and Cork airports sustainability plans.

The newly appointed Minister was in Shannon for his first visit to the Airport since his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Transport on 27th June 2024.

During his visit, Minister Lawless toured Shannon Airport and got to see first-hand the ease of using Shannon and the many world firsts and innovative initiatives for which the airport is known.

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These include being recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the world’s first Age Friendly airports; being the first airport in the world outside the Americas to introduce full US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facilities; being home to the world’s first duty free; and being the first airport in Europe to open a Sensory room.

Commenting on the Minister’s inaugural visit to Shannon Airport today, The Shannon Airport Group CEO, Mary Considine said: “I was pleased to welcome Minister Lawless to Shannon so he could witness first-hand the benefits of using Shannon as an alternative to Dublin Airport focusing on ease of access, lack of congestion, and the attractive incentive schemes we offer airlines.

“Shannon Airport is an excellent alternative to Dublin Airport for international visitors eager to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and for Irish people looking to conduct business or enjoy overseas leisure holidays."

"Shannon Airport has a pivotal role to play in assisting with alleviating the current capacity issues at Dublin Airport, enabling balanced regional development by aligning passenger journeys closer to where they want to travel to and from, and ensuring that Ireland’s aviation market continues to thrive."

“Today’s visit to Shannon Airport by Minister Lawless was a great opportunity to show the Minister what we have achieved at the airport and what we hope to achieve in the future.”

Welcoming the funding announcement, Mary Considine said: “We are delighted to welcome the government’s new Regional State Airports Sustainability funding programme."

"This investment will assist us on our journey at Shannon Airport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050," Ms Considine continued.

"It will augment our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations, and we thank the government for their support.”