The business case for Waterford Airport will be presented to the government in the coming weeks.
The news was confirmed to councillors at yesterday's plenary meeting of Waterford City & County Council, by local authority CEO, Mr. Michael Walsh.
Councillors sought an update on the status of Waterford Airport's renovation, following contentious comments which were made by Minister for Transport and Green Party leader, Mr. Eamon Ryan, on a recent visit to Waterford - where he confirmed that a business case had not been presented to the government as of yet.
An investment by Galway-based billionaires, the Comer Brothers, could pave the way for the return of commercial flights from Waterford for the first time since 2016.
The investment is likely to see work begin on a runway extension and other developments to the airport such as a solar farm.
The Comer brothers from Galway have reportedly agreed to a €20m deal to buy a majority stake in Waterford Airport.
It’s understood that Waterford Airport has already initiated project work for a new runway extension as it seeks to restart scheduled commercial services.
The Government has pledged €5m towards the runway bill, while the three local authority co-owners, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Wexford Councils - have agreed to stump up €2m.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional are believed to be in discussions to provide services from the airport.
Ryanair's first-ever services launched from the Deise in 1985 before they ceased operating from Waterford in 1992.
Speaking at yesterday's meeting, CEO Michael Walsh had this message.
"The business case is ready to go to the government", Mr. Walsh confirmed. "We're awaiting confirmation in terms of the investment - formal confirmation in terms of the investment - once that is received, it [the business case] will go in. There has been a whole lot of work done - in terms of with the Aviation Authority and a lot of other things in terms of costing and appraisals around the redevelopment of the Airport. There is still negotiations ongoing with the proposed investors."
"That is coming to a head one way or another - and I will be coming back to councillors in the next few weeks, one way - or the other."
