Waterford Airport is a 'white elephant', says councillor from Kilkenny

Cllr David Fitzgerald branded Waterford Airport as being 'a white elephant' at this week's meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

The city councillor made the comment after it was mentioned that there is planned to be a €400,000 funding commitment from the local authority to part fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport under the Council's Capital Programme (2024-2029).

Cllr David Fitzgerald stated that the move would be a 'waste of money' and described Waterford Airport as 'a white elephant', adding that 'nobody uses it'.

"Dublin Airport is at capacity," he continued. "Dublin needs a second airport. If we're serious about air transport into this region what we really should be doing is funding a feasability study to build a second airport for Dublin near Carlow-Kilkenny on the South Kildare border where there is lots of flat land and connectivity to the motorway."

Responding to Cllr Fitzgerald's remarks was Head of Finance Martin Prendiville, who noted that the issue of Waterford Airport has been on the agenda for quite some time and had been in the Capital Programme for a number of years.

"The last public announcement was that there was a private investor willing to put significant money into the development of the runway and the facility at the airport," he said.

"Obviously that won't happen without agreement with the provider. There are strong views that the investment would make a significant contribution to the South-East region.

"I think the investment at this stage if it goes ahead is in excess of €20 million so I think it certainly has to be considered within the context of the economic development of the South-East region."

Prendiville also used Kerry Airport, often called Farranfore Airport, as an example of how a similar project has seen success.