Written answer
Airport Security
Shannon Airport has received nearly €1.8 million since 2021 for perimeter fencing upgrades, while security measures and legislation remain under review.
196. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department and Shannon airport have put in place to prevent any further unlawful incursions by persons on the airport campus, airside and non-airside, in 2025 and to date in 2026. [75284/26]
Comment on this
The safety and security of Shannon Airport remain a priority, and measures to prevent unlawful incursions are kept under continuous review.
Shannon Airport fully complies with all regulatory security requirements and continually assesses security infrastructure across its campus. Recent measures have included significant investment in upgrades to the airfield perimeter fencing.
Since 2021, almost €1.8 million in Exchequer funding has been provided to Shannon Airport for airfield perimeter fencing projects under a range of regional airport funding programmes. Of this, €1.2 million was allocated in 2026 under the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
The publication of the Programme in February 2026 delivered on a commitment in the Programme for Government to continue investing in regional airports. To support connectivity and balanced regional development, while maximising the use of existing capacity across the regional airport network, the passenger eligibility threshold was increased from one million to three million passengers per annum. This ensures that Shannon Airport can continue to benefit from the Programme as passenger numbers grow.
Consistent with National Aviation Policy, the Programme supports eligible investments that enable regional airports, including Shannon Airport, to maintain compliance with European Union safety and security requirements. Eligible projects include perimeter fencing upgrades, which strengthen airfield security and help mitigate the risk of unauthorised incursions.
In parallel with these operational measures, the relevant legislative framework is being reviewed to ensure it continues to provide effective protections against unlawful incursions and supports the ongoing safety and security requirements of airports.