• Business plan seeks matching exchequer funding towards €25+ million runway expansion plan
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins, who is a former member of the board at Waterford Airport welcomed news of engagement between Department of Transport officials and Waterford Airport on the business plan which was submitted prior to Christmas.
Senator Cummins said “It is my understanding that there is now direct engagement between Department officials and Waterford airport regarding the business plan. Some clarity has been sought on certain items that I wouldn’t be privy to, but the fact that there is an open channel of communication is welcome. I am sure that any requests for further information can be provided quickly by airport management because I want to see this dealt with as quickly as possible”.
Speaking in Seanad Eireann today, Senator Cummins requested that Eamonn Ryan come before the Senate for a debate on national aviation policy with specific reference to the importance of regional airports and the development of Waterford airport. He said “Support for regional aviation is vital. It is important that this project at Waterford airport is supported by government, it is important for regional Ireland, it is important for connectivity into the South East region and with the huge developments that are ongoing in terms of the North Quays and the development of the University; the airport is a critical infrastructure link and I want to see it debated in the house as urgently as possible”.
In 2019, the government approved €5 million in matching funding for the Waterford airport project which involves lengthening the current 1,433-metre-long runway to2,287metres and widening it to 45 metres from its current 30 meters. In February 2022, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the project, as well as confirming Compulsory Purchase Orders for lands adjacent to the airport, which is based at Killowen, Co. Waterford. In December 2023, it was announced that €12 million in private sector investment had been secured from Comer Group International in partnership with the Bolster Group and a business plan seeking matching funding was submitted prior to Christmas.
Senator Cummins said “I want to see that dialogue between Minister Ryan’s officials and Waterford airport happen as expeditiously as possible. There is a window for works to commence on this project through to the end of August when good ground conditions exist, therefore a memo will need to be brought to cabinet by Minister Ryan in a timely manner.
“A huge amount of work has gone into this project over the last 5 years in particular. There is no question, it is a critical piece of regional infrastructure and one I believe passionately in. Having passenger connectivity to London is obviously the initial top priority but an enhanced runway will enable B737 and A320’s service other destinations. I also believe there is huge potential for Waterford to be a hub for aircraft maintenance into the future and free up a clogged up capacity at Dublin airport”.