Referral of the proposed subsidy to Ryanair UK Limited by Invest Northern Ireland

21 August 2026: The SAU has accepted a request for a report from Invest NI concerning the proposed subsidy to Ryanair. This request relates to a Subsidy of Particular Interest.

The SAU will prepare a report, which will provide an evaluation of Invest NI’s assessment of whether the subsidy complies with the subsidy control requirements (Assessment of Compliance). The SAU will complete its report within 30 working days.

Information about the subsidy provided by Invest NI

Invest Northern Ireland are proposing to award Ryanair a subsidy of £67 million to support the establishment of a large-scale Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for its aircraft engines in Northern Ireland, creating semi-skilled, skilled and professional jobs, with the aim of reducing Northern Ireland’s regional productivity disadvantage by increasing the amount of capital investment in Northern Ireland.

The subsidy will comprise capital grant and employment related grant. Ryanair is eligible to receive this subsidy under the Industrial Development (Northern Ireland) Order 1982 and the Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002.

The subsidy will be paid in arrears against evidence of capital expenditure and employment creation.

If you wish to comment on matters relevant to the SAU’s evaluation of the Assessment of Compliance concerning the proposed subsidy to Ryanair, please send your comments by the date stipulated in the timetable above. For guidance on representations relevant to the Assessment of Compliance, see the section on reporting period and transparency in the Operation of the subsidy control functions of the Subsidy Advice Unit.

Please send your submissions to us at [email protected], copying the public authority: [email protected].  

Please also provide a contact address and explain in what capacity you are making the submission (for example, as an individual or a representative of a business or organisation).