Work on the runway extension at Waterford Airport is continuing to progress, with project manager William Bolster saying the development remains on schedule.

Bolster says earthmoving works will continue for at least another six weeks, with the current phase progressing well.

He says more detail on a completion date is expected around October or November, with the full project still requiring approximately a year to complete.

The progress on the earthworks could also allow the next phase of the project to begin earlier than originally planned.

That will involve appointing a surfacing contractor, with Bolster describing the amount of tarmac required as a major undertaking.

Around 200,000 square metres of surfacing will be required, with the cost of the tarmac alone expected to be in the region of €5 million.

Bolster says the project’s financing arrangements are also progressing well, with payments to contractors continuing as planned.

He says there have been no major setbacks so far, with extensive preparation work helping to avoid potential problems on site.

Meanwhile, work on the airport terminal and associated services is progressing separately, with the design team currently working on that element of the development.

Bolster says further announcements on the terminal and ancillary developments are expected in the coming weeks.

He says seeing the work taking shape on site is a major boost for everyone involved, with the project currently progressing better than expected.

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