Waterford Airport given the greenlight for runway expansion

Kenneth Fox

Waterford Airport is set to become a fully operational aviation hub following approval of a landmark private funding agreement by Waterford Council on Monday.

Councillors voted in favour of the proposal, which will see the runway extended and widened to international standards.

The Bolster Group secured a comprehensive €30 million funding package to deliver the complete capital project, enabling commercial flights to return to Ireland's South-East region for the first time in almost two decades.

The development represents a significant breakthrough after 17 years of seeking government funding for the runway extension project, with the private investment removing dependency on public sector support.

Waterford Regional Airport PLC had campaigned intensively for government backing, with growing public pressure reflected in both local and national election results across the South-East region.

William Bolster, executive of the Bolster Group: "The positive vote is fantastic news and paves the way to deliver a vital infrastructure project for the South-East. The Councillors should be commended for taking such a brave decision to move forward and for trusting the Bolster Group to deliver this project for the Southeast.

"This will not only secure existing jobs but will allow employment to expand with upwards of 100 jobs both on and off-site involved during construction. Once complete, further jobs will be added as scheduled air traffic proceeds.

"With the support of the local council and the board of Waterford Airport, the Bolster Group will be fully self-funding the project, and construction can commence imminently.’’

‘’This agreement would not have been possible without the support and forward-thinking approach demonstrated by the chief executive of Waterford City Council, Sean McKeown, and the Chairman of Waterford Regional Airport, Michael Walsh.

"Together we committed to deliver this project for the people of the South-East, and that is exactly what will happen."

Mr Bolster said the runway extension will boost international connectivity to Ireland's South-East, providing direct access to European and UK destinations for both business and leisure travellers.