THE FIRST full-time Garda immigration unit will open at Ireland West Airport in Knock, Co Mayo, tomorrow.
The airport hopes the new facility will enhance passenger safety and security as well as boosting growth.
One sergeant and seven gardaí will operate from a base in the main concourse at the airport.
The previous part-time immigration unit was staffed by officers from Knock, Swinford, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis Garda stations on a rota service.
Operations manager Carmel Kilcoyne said: "The new unit is a major enhancement of our passenger safety and security services - much needed in light of the airport's continued growth and expansion.
"The full-time immigration unit will be very beneficial to the airport's operations, providing dedicated personnel which are needed for immigration duties and other policing functions."
The unit was announced in January following discussions with local political representatives and the Garda Commissioner.
A total of 567,000 passengers passed through the airport in 2007, a drop of 9 per cent on the previous year. However, it expects that new routes will see passenger numbers rise to 700,000 this year.
Passenger growth is expected to come mainly from the expansion of the airport's UK route network, as well as the continued development of its European charter holiday business which will generate over 90,000 passengers in 2008.
The airport is also continuing to implement its €46 million infrastructural investment programme, with more than €20 million being spent throughout 2008 on services and facilities, including access roads and the airfield, to ensure it remains the gateway to the west and northwest of Ireland.
It is also planning to commence construction on an extension to its terminal building shortly. This will replace the existing check-in area and departures lounges.