Dempsey’s inspection

Minister Dempsey inspects airport projects

Áine Ryan

A KEY piece of infrastructure, which will contribute to the ongoing development of Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), was inspected by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, last Friday. The project, part of a €46 million infrastructural investment, involved the construction of perimeter fencing and an inspection road. It was completed three weeks ahead of schedule and under-budget in August last.

The development is pivotal to airfield safety enhancement required by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation). It is also required to contribute to IWAK’s attainment of Category II Instrumentation Landing Systems (CAT II ILS) status which will improve the reliability of the airport in poor weather and low visibility conditions and improve the certainty of operations.

“The construction of this perimeter fencing and inspection road ahead of schedule and under budget demonstrates the significant work being undertaken by Liam Scollan, Robert Grealis and their staff in developing Ireland West Airport Knock and the region,” said Minister Dempsey.

He was met by airport board members, Monsignor Quinn, PP of Knock, and County Manager, Mr Des Mahon, along with Mr Dara Calleary TD, Mr Liam Scollan, Group Managing Director, and Mr Robert Grealis, CEO.

“We thank the Government, Minister Dempsey, and his Department of Transport officials for this investment, as well as the many local Government representatives for their consistently strong support of the airport throughout the years. We thank our main contractor, Frank Harrington Ltd, as well as our own staff who have worked with great enthusiasm and vigour to complete the project on time and within budget,” said Mr Grealis, who also congratulated the Minister on the opening of the Charelstown by-pass.

The €46 million capital investment programme is aimed at underpinning the development of new short, medium and long haul international air routes and growing annual passenger numbers to over one million. Twenty seven million euro of the investment was grant-aided under the Government’s Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme for Regional Airports.

Meanwhile, Environmental Consultants, Mr Peter Sweetman and Associates, have lodged appeals to An Bord Pleanála regarding a proposed extension to the terminal building and the car park.