The long-term future of Kerry Airport has been secured following the Government’s announcement of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030.

The move provides a guaranteed framework of support for the Farranfore hub for the next five years, offering much-needed stability for the region’s primary aviation link.

Under the new plan, nearly €45 million in capital investment will be made available across the regional airport sector over the five-year period.

For 2026 alone, the Government has earmarked over €19 million, which includes €9 million specifically for capital projects alongside annual operational funding.

This financial backing is designed to ensure regional airports can meet strict international safety and security regulations while also investing in new infrastructure.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Deputy Michael Cahill, welcomed the announcement, noting that the renewal of the programme provides the certainty required for the airport to plan for the future.

“The continuation of this programme is critically important for Kerry’s connectivity, tourism sector, and broader economic development,” Deputy Cahill said. “Kerry Airport plays a pivotal role in linking our county to Dublin and international destinations, supporting jobs and investment across the Kingdom.”

The 2026–2030 programme has also been broadened to include airports handling up to three million passengers, meaning Kerry will continue to receive support alongside Shannon, Donegal, and Ireland West Airport Knock.

Beyond daily operations, the funding is specifically targeted toward climate resilience and carbon reduction measures, helping the airport align with national climate action commitments.

Planning for the 2026 Assess Ireland International Rally of the Lakes is moving at a frantic pace as Killarney prepares for its biggest annual sporting event from May 1 to 3.

There is a new face set to take charge of Killarney and District Motor Club’s flagship event as the countdown continues for the return of one of the town’s largest annual spectacles.

Tim Clifford has been appointed Clerk of the Course for the 2026 edition. While this is his first time at the helm of the International rally, Tim is a well-known figure in the town and a veteran of the local motorsport scene.

He recently ran the successful ‘Rally Masters’ at Killarney Racecourse and previously managed the Killarney Historic Rally on five occasions between 2002 and 2006. When he isn’t at Rally HQ, Tim runs the Pony Tales equine stables in Faha.

A preferred route has already been identified for the May Bank Holiday weekend. Organisers are currently finalising a localised, compact route that puts the best interests of the town’s businesses, rally competitors, and spectators at the forefront.

The goal is to provide a high-octane event while ensuring the economic boost reaches the heart of Killarney.

Assess Ireland, the Kingdom-based motor and engineering assessors, returns as title sponsor for the third consecutive year.

The partnership has grown from strength to strength since it began in 2024. The Gleneagle Hotel will once again serve as the rally headquarters, housing everything from the rally office to the final prizegiving in the historic Killarney venue.

The 2026 rally carries massive weight across several championships.

It serves as Round 4 of the NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, currently led by Killarney co-driver Noel O’Sullivan and Derry’s Callum Devine, who are chasing a historic five-in-a-row. It is also a double-points scoring weekend for the GK Print Southern 4 Championship.

For the first time, the Rally of the Lakes will serve as the opening round of the Moriarty’s Central Car Sales Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship, a move that is sure to spark intense competition among local crews.

Speaking after the announcement, Tim Clifford said it gives him and his family great pride to run the extraordinary Rally of the Lakes in his hometown.

He credited his huge team for working non-stop to get the rally on the road and noted that the preferred route should be a big hit with crews and spectators, keeping road mileage and costs to a minimum while supporting local businesses over the two days. Entries for the event are set to open shortly.