The chief executive of Sligo County Council says he would be ‘very concerned’ about the future of Ireland West Airport at Knock because of the collapse in passenger numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ciaran Hayes has told councillors that the issue is ‘critical’ when it comes to infrastructure and access for the north west.
Seven local authorities in the region are stakeholders and contributors to the airport, which employs about 200 people, about 15% of whom are from Sligo.
Mr Hayes said the airport workforce had been cut by 50%, with the remainder on a three-day week.
He told councillors the airport was now seeking the support of all councils in trying to deal with, what he described as, ‘the collapse in passenger numbers.’
Enniscrone-based Independent Councillor Joe Queenan called on all local authorities to put pressure on at national level to ensure the airport at Knock survives.
Tubbercurry Fine Gael Councillor Martin Connolly fears many people do not realise the serious situation the airport is facing and the consequences of that for the local region.
