Some good news for the country’s regional airports as the European Commission has approved plans by the State to provide grants totalling €42.5m for the four airports over the next four years.

The Commission’s decision, taken after more than a year of negotiations, will enable the Department of Transport to provide cash for both running costs and investment at Donegal, Kerry, Knock and Waterford, up to 2019.

The issue of State support for regional airports is a highly political one.

Ireland Airport West as 'Knock' is now known, has been looking for State investment of up to €75m alone to fund infrastructure investment and to compete with what it sees as comparable investment at Shannon Airport, which is fully owned by the State.

Two of the country’s former regional airports, at Galway and Sligo, have closed in recent years.