Eoghan Dalton Reports
Waterford Airport can be “fully operational” by spring 2020 if the Department of Transport signs off on funding for the troubled site in the coming weeks, City & County Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh said last week.
It is hoped that works at the airport would then take place this summer during the better weather, setting up a re-launch of commercial flights roughly 13 months from now.The future of the airport rests on €5 million in public investment for works, including an extension to its runway, which would unlock commercial flights for the region. That figure would match the €5 million being put forward by private investment, as well as another €2 million from the Council
Happier Times: the wait for the re-launch of commercial aviation at Waterford Airport continues.
The runway extension is part of a development plan submitted to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by Waterford Airport. Speaking in Dungarvan last Thursday evening, Michael Walsh told Councillor Breda Brennan (SF), who had raised the issue, that the local authority received queries from the Department regarding the airport. A response is to be provided this week. From there, Mr Walsh expects a decision on the airport “reasonably quick”, and if it’s positive the Council will be moving forward and submitting a planning application “as early at all possible”. Waterford Airport received emergency funding of €375,000 to assist with its day-to-day running last month.
