A decision on government funding for a runway extension at Waterford Airport is expected within weeks.
The airport hasn’t had commercial flights since the middle of 2016.
However, there’s plans to extend the runway to 2,200 metres with private investors providing €5,000,000, and local authorities pledging a further €2,000,000.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross, who was responding to questions from Fianna Fail’s Mary Butler, says business advisory group, EY, carried out a review into the operations of the Airport.
“The airport was invited to respond to EY’s findings and to provide any additional information that might strengthen its position in respect of the runway proposal.
“That response, received from the airport last week, is being reviewed by my Department and will be assessed against national aviation and transport policy objectives, as well as broader Government policies such as Project Ireland 2040 and the national planning framework.
“Once I have fully considered the matter, it is my intention to revert to Government for a decision in the coming weeks.
Deputy Butler stressed the importance of funding.
“There is no doubt that if the airport could access this runway we would end up with a range of additional businesses and opportunities.
“I believe the airport would reduce its dependency on Government support in the long run, and its potential to attract additional investment and employment opportunities to the area would be enhanced.
“I hope to welcome the Minister’s decision on the airport at Waterford as soon as possible.”
Minister Ross says they must take many things into account when making a decision on this.
“We cannot take imprudent decisions which will not, in the considered view of independent reviewers, ourselves and of experts, offer benefits to the region. We do not want to create a white elephant.
“We have pondered this issue for a long time and have shown good faith in the project by providing €375,000 on two occasions.
“We do not want to close the airport and will give it every chance to succeed.
“However, we will take a decision on a very sensible and prudent basis in the coming weeks.”
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