Waterford Airport gets €12m investment for runway extension
Waterford Regional Airport. Commercial flights to London may resume by the end of 2024.
Fresh private investment totaling €12m for the long-awaited extension of Waterford Airport’s runway is likely to be more than doubled by central and local government support in the coming months.
The commitment announced in Waterford City Hall by Comer Group International and the Bolster Group is expected to be matched by at least a further €12m in State monies, with local authorities in Waterford, Kilkenny, and Wexford also set to provide €2m.
The Airport Board, on which the three councils sit alongside Waterford-based businessman William Bolster and the Comer Group, will submit its business case to the cabinet next week.
In the event of Government approval, an egm of shareholders will be held to formally set the project in motion, with hopes high that commercial flights to London can resume by the end of 2024.
No commercial flights have operated from Waterford since 2016.
“An extension to the runway would make the South East an increasingly attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers from overseas,” said Finance Minister Michael McGrath, who made the announcement in Waterford.
“Similarly, it will make it easier for people across the region to travel internationally.”
“The previous Government made the decision to match funding for the runway project once the private investment was secured, albeit at a lower level of €5 million.
“Improved connectivity through Waterford Airport would make the South East an even more attractive place in which to live, work, do business and raise a family. It would also help to open up this beautiful region to many more visitors,” Taoiseach Leo Varagkar said.
In a joint statement, Comer Group Director Luke Comer and Mr Bolster said the runway project “will reopen up travel to the UK and European destinations all year round.
“Those local to the area have had to travel to Dublin or Cork to catch flights over the last seven years and the time absolutely felt right to bring the airport back to life with much needed investment and put Waterford firmly back on the international map.
“We believe this expansion will be welcome news for locals, driving tourism and business opportunities, as well as the Irish population who have made their home in the UK. It will be a real game changer in terms of bringing back travel to the region.”
Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh acknowledged the support of the neighbouring councils in Kilkenny and Wexford in delivering this “milestone” announcement.
The project would see the existing 1,433 metre-long runway extended by 491m at its northern end and 363m at its southern end, bringing its total length to 2,287m, and widened to 45m from the existing 30m. This would permit the airport to service large and mid-range aircraft including the Airbus 320.
