Further boost for Waterford Airport as neighbouring counties pledge funding
Kilkenny County Council and Wexford County Council have both committed to providing funding
The redevelopment of Waterford Airport has received a further boost after two local authorities pledged funding to help facilitate the project.
Kilkenny County Council and Wexford County Council have both committed to providing funding for the road realignment which is necessary for the airport’s development.
Each of the neighbouring local authorities will contribute €100,000 towards the works, whilst Waterford City and County Council will contribute €200,000.
To facilitate the extension of the airport’s runway, a section of road adjacent to the airport must be lowered by approximately one metre.
The total cost of these works are estimated at €800,000, with US private investor Kelcy Warren set to cover the remaining €400,000.
The news of the neighbouring local authorities pledging funding was welcomed by Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane.
In a post on Facebook, Deputy Cullinane said: “Welcome news that Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils are each contributing €100,000 towards the road realignment works needed to progress the Waterford Airport runway extension.
“This is another important step forward for Waterford Airport and for the South East.
“It shows real regional buy-in and a clear understanding that Waterford Airport is strategic infrastructure for Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and the wider region.”
However, he went on to criticise the Government for its lack of financial support for the airport project.
“But we should also be clear. Local authorities have stepped up. A private investor has stepped in. Government did not.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had the opportunity to properly back Waterford Airport and failed to do so. That failure forced others to find a way forward.
“The focus now must be on delivery. This project must be progressed without further delay, and Government must finally recognise the importance of Waterford Airport to the economic future of the South East.”
Deputy Cullinane concluded by saying he looks forward to the day when commercial flights return to Waterford Airport.
Earlier this week, Waterford Live reported that there was a large build up of machinery at the airport as construction work got underway.