An Bord Pleanála has approved the runway extension for Waterford Airport.
Waterford City and County Council had applied to extend the runway (currently 1,433 metres in length) to a total of 2,287 metres, and widen it by a further 15 metres.
New landing lights were also included as part of the application, as was the demolition of two detached houses fronting onto the road at Ballygarran.
205 new car parking spaces are to be provided to the east of the existing car park.
The case was initially due to be decided by the 26th of February, however, the announcement came through this afternoon (4th February 2022).
It's an announcement that has been welcomed by many, including Waterford Chamber.
According to Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber: “This is most welcome news and the penultimate chapter to a very long running campaign for us here at Waterford Chamber. Securing the necessary funding will continue to be a priority for us now.
“We have vigorously lobbied Government on this extension, right up to last week in fact, as it is one of the key requirements of many of our members in industry.
"We are one step closer to an Airport which will help the region in terms of attracting foreign direct investment and further expansion of existing companies. It will also play a key role in terms of tourism expansion for the region.
“There is still a way to go but today is a giant leap forward.”
The application was first submitted in July of 2020.
