Transformation Programme
Ireland West Airport continually invests in its infrastructure and facilities to meet industry regulations and deliver a best-in-class experience for our customers. 2025 saw continued investment in the Airport Transformation Programme, with several infrastructure projects completed to maintain the highest international safety and security standards and modernise the airport’s facilities to meet the future needs of our airline customers and passengers.
The Department of Transport supported an investment of almost €8 million in safety and infrastructure upgrades at the airport in 2025. This was a significant year for the airport’s transformation programme.
Projects completed included Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) upgrades and Airfield upgrade works, including runway scrub removal and drainage works. Upgrade of the airport’s electrical infrastructure, Climate Adaptation Mitigation Plan, and Sustainability Master Plan Phase 4. Purchase of new fire tender vehicles, electrical fuel bowser, electrical security patrol vehicle and PV Solar Farm planning phase. Work was recently completed on a new covered walkway for departing passengers waiting to board flights outside the departure gates.
During the period 2026-2028, the completion of several significant safety and security projects is forecast to cost approximately €35m+. The scale of this investment highlights the ambitions of the Airport Transformation Programme to modernise operations.
Planned Projects 2026-2028
- Safety expansion and reconfiguration of aircraft stands to accommodate new, larger modern aircraft as part of the Transformation Programme
- Runway end safety area works
- Security system upgrades
- Development of PV Solar Farm as part of the airport’s climate mitigation plan
- Progressing the airport’s sustainability and environmental strategy to achieve ‘net zero’ for its carbon emissions by 2050
- Provision of new explosive trace detection systems
- Installation of a new automated weather observation system
- Purchase of a new security body scanner and recheck workstations
- Cybersecurity upgrade
- Purchase of electrical ground handling equipment
- Airfield infrastructure assessment and electrical network upgrade strategy
- Airfield rubber removal and line marking
- Continued upgrade and expansion of car parking & PRM facilities at the airport
- Continued modernisation of the retail, catering and lounge facilities at the airport
The completion of the above projects will ensure the airport continues to comply with International Safety and Security regulations and enhance its facilities as part of the overall transformation efforts.
Ongoing Developments
Phase 3 of the airport’s transformation strategy, aimed at further improving the passenger experience and upgrading facilities, has been completed. We thank our customers and stakeholders for their ongoing support and also acknowledge the support of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and other Government departments for their support towards the major capital infrastructure projects as part of the Project Ireland 2040 strategy. Phase 4 of the program has commenced and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, representing another milestone in the transformation of the airport facilities.