Waterford Airport has received a significant boost following confirmation that Wexford County Council and Kilkenny County Council will each contribute €100,000 towards the cost of a major road realignment project linked to the airport’s future expansion.

Speaking to WLR, Independent Councillor Declan Barry confirmed that the funding support will reduce Waterford City and County Council’s contribution towards the project from €400,000 to €200,000.

As part of the agreement with the airport’s new private investor and owner, a section of road adjacent to the airport must be lowered by approximately one metre over a 600-metre stretch to facilitate the planned runway development.

The overall cost of the road realignment project is estimated at €800,000, with the private investor already committed to funding half of the works. The remaining €400,000 was due to be covered by Waterford City and County Council before the latest funding announcement.

Councillor Barry described the support from neighbouring local authorities as a major vote of confidence in the airport and in the wider South East region.

He said the contribution from Kilkenny and Wexford demonstrates the collaborative approach being taken towards the development of an airport that will serve the entire South East rather than just Waterford.

Barry noted that both local authorities had previously indicated their willingness to support the airport’s expansion plans and said the latest agreement highlights the regional importance of the project, which is expected to serve a catchment area of around 600,000 people.

The reduced financial commitment from Waterford City and County Council could also free up funding for other local projects.

Councillor Barry said he would like to see the €200,000 saving redirected towards much-needed road resurfacing and footpath repairs across the city and county, particularly following damage caused during severe winter weather earlier this year.

He described the announcement as positive news not only for Waterford Airport but for the entire South East region as plans for the airport’s future development continue to progress.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.