Electric ground fleets for Kerry Ireland West airports in €1.6m State grant award

The regional airports in Kerry and Ireland West (Knock) in Co Mayo have been awarded €1.6 million Government grant aid for a range of environmental projects, including electric ground fleets.

Hildegarde Naughton, the Galway TD who is Minister of State at the Department of Transport, on Monday announced almost €1.1 million for Kerry and more than €500,000 for Ireland West.

The department said the regional airport in Donegal had also been invited to bring forward applications for State funding for environmental projects, but it said it wouldn’t be ready to apply until next year.

Kerry will get funding for a project to switch its external lights to a lower energy system. Both airports will also receive funding for 20 electric ground vehicles, including aircraft tugs, baggage conveyors, passenger ground transport, airfield patrol and maintenance.

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Allocation

The department said the allocation also includes funds “towards an electric aircraft refueler”.

Earlier this year, the department provided almost €4.9 million in capital grants to Kerry, Donegal and Ireland West, as well as €16.3 million to Cork and Shannon. It is currently assessing applications for a further €20 million in grant funding for airports to keep them up to date with regulations surrounding air traffic control, fire services and security. Tis cash will be allocated “shortly”.

Regional airports, which were badly hit by Covid restrictions, are also entitled to apply for State financial support towards operational expenses.

Ms Naughton said the €1.6 million to Kerry and Knock is part of Government’s intention to support bringing regional airports closer to “carbon neutrality”.