Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has issued a stark warning about the future of Kerry Airport, highlighting a potential funding cliff-edge in 2027.

Ní Mhurchú has urged the Irish government to seize a unique opportunity to significantly invest in Kerry Airport before EU state aid rules for regional airports expire on April 4, 2027.

"We need to be more ambitious about our plans for Kerry Airport," she said. "We have a golden opportunity to dramatically upscale our investment and position it as a major player in Irish aviation."

The MEP believes that Kerry Airport, with its current passenger numbers nearing half a million, is well-positioned to alleviate some of the pressure on Dublin Airport, which currently handles the majority of Ireland's air traffic.

"Forty percent of passengers flying into Dublin ultimately travel outside the capital," Ní Mhurchú added. "This presents a clear opportunity for regional airports like Kerry to attract more passengers and routes."

Ní Mhurchú plans to raise this issue with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to advocate for increased investment and support for regional airports like Kerry.

She highlighted the importance of regional airports to Ireland's economy.
"Our airports are critical to our success as an island nation. Kerry Airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for the growth of the Southwest region,” she said.

Kerry Airport funding warning

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has issued a stark warning about the future of Kerry Airport, highlighting a potential funding cliff-edge in 2027.

Ní Mhurchú has urged the Irish government to seize a unique opportunity to significantly invest in Kerry Airport before EU state aid rules for regional airports expire on April 4, 2027.

"We need to be more ambitious about our plans for Kerry Airport," she said. "We have a golden opportunity to dramatically upscale our investment and position it as a major player in Irish aviation."

The MEP believes that Kerry Airport, with its current passenger numbers nearing half a million, is well-positioned to alleviate some of the pressure on Dublin Airport, which currently handles the majority of Ireland's air traffic.

"Forty percent of passengers flying into Dublin ultimately travel outside the capital," Ní Mhurchú added. "This presents a clear opportunity for regional airports like Kerry to attract more passengers and routes."

Ní Mhurchú plans to raise this issue with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to advocate for increased investment and support for regional airports like Kerry.

She highlighted the importance of regional airports to Ireland's economy.
"Our airports are critical to our success as an island nation. Kerry Airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for the growth of the Southwest region,” she said.