The board of Ireland West Knock Airport has warned that unless financial incentives are provided to attract business to the airport, then the impact of new strategic development zone will be limited.
Strategic development zones are parcels of land which are proposed to contain developments of economic or social importance to the state.
Lands adjacent to the airport were designated as such a zone in May after former Taoiseach Enda Kenny signed off on the deal on one of his last cabinet meetings.
Management at Knock Airport say that although they welcome the development, they have concerns over being able to attract businesses and jobs to the site unless financial incentives become available.
The airport has also outlined its commitment to working alongside Mayo County Council in the development of the master plan required to complete the zoning.
They have urged the government to prioritise this zone for job creation.
South Sligo Councillor Paul Taylor recently called for all efforts to be made to ensure the Sligo area adjoining County Mayo benefits from the strategic zone.
The Fianna Fáil representative said it was a valuable opportunity to attract new jobs not only to Knock, but also to towns like Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Gurteen.
