Waterford councillors continue to raise concerns surrounding the future of Waterford Airport.

Government funding to support private investment has not yet been forthcoming, despite a commitment to development in the current programme for government.

Social Democrats Councillor Mary Roche raised the issue at a recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

She says Waterford hasn’t been given a fair crack of the whip – and explained her understanding of where the status of the runway extension currently lies.

“I know the Chief Executive has been appointed to the Board. The Economic Development and Strategic Policy Committee met out there on the 28th of February and one of the things that we learned was that the Board aren’t actually looking for the €12 million upfront from the Government, they’re actually more or less looking for a letter of comfort, something like that was delivered by Shane Ross in the Government previous to last and once that is given, that will release funds and bridging in order to put the buildings and the development, the runway in place.”

Cllr. Roche warned that something needs to happen sooner rather than later regarding the future of Waterford Airport.

“If that letter is not forthcoming from the Government pretty soon – we are going to miss another season because the summer is obviously the best time to do all that development. I’m wondering Mayor, can you write on behalf of this Council to the new Minister. It’s in the Programme for Government but I think it is imperative that this is kicked off as fast as possible. We are effectively in comparison with other cities being asked to deliver what they are being asked to deliver but we are not being given the forwards, the backs or the midfielders to actually deliver on the pitch so I think that’s extremely important that we try and get that moving ASAP.”

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