Waterford City & County Council has voted to support a recommendation by CEO Sean McKeown to provide up to €450,000 in emergency funding to Waterford Airport, aimed at keeping the facility operational while it continues to await €12 million in long-promised government funding.

The funding, which may be drawn down as required, is intended to cover liabilities and day-to-day operational costs.

Councillors agreed the loan should be tied to a greater equity share for the Council — which currently owns just 2% of the airport, at this month’s Plenary meeting.

The decision brings the Council’s total contribution to Waterford Airport to €1.3 million since 2019.

CEO McKeown acknowledged that while Waterford Airport has advanced through various government frameworks, including the Public Spending Code and Transport Infrastructure Appraisal Process, there is still no guarantee of state funding or timeline for approval. He noted that development costs — including runway extension — are now estimated at over €12 million.

Several councillors voiced frustration at government inaction. Cllr. Joe Kelly expressed disappointment in the Department of Transport. “€450K is a significant sum,” he said, adding that local government should not be forced to fill a national funding gap.

Cllr. John Hearne described the situation as “absolute nonsense,” saying that ratepayers were being asked to carry the costs that should be carried by government.

Despite concerns, all councillors ultimately backed the CEO’s recommendation, many with reluctance. Cllr. Thomas Phelan said the Council had been put “in a bit of a pickle” and criticised the government’s lack of interest in funding any more regional airports. He offered conditional support.

Cllr. Catherine Burke echoed calls for clarity and financial responsibility. “It shouldn’t fall on Waterford Council,” she said. “If the government wants this to work, they must provide meaningful investment.”

Cllr. Seanie Power pointed to ongoing losses at the Airport and said the Council had to start balancing the books.

Cllr. Damien Geoghegan argued that €450,000 should come with increased Council ownership and influence, saying current shareholder arrangements were “minuscule” and ineffective. He also called for renewed input from key figures in the transport industry and aviation sector itself.

Cllr. Jason Murphy said the board, while competent, lacked the specialised skillset needed to lead a turnaround – particularly from an aviation perspective.

Cllr. Joanne Bailey agreed, saying that had earlier government commitments been honoured, the Council wouldn’t now be in this position.

There was evident tension in the chamber. Cllr. Declan Barry warned that councillors were “at the end of their tether,” saying public patience was wearing thin. “Let’s put in our amount and someone else do the same,” he said. “This is our only option — but we’ll get there.”

Cllr. John O’Leary supported the proposal and said the airport project was a “real decision for the future of Waterford,” but added that government support and transparency were both critical moving forward.

With no firm guarantee of state funding, the Council’s latest loan deepens its financial exposure to the airport while creating new expectations of equity and influence in return.

As the waiting game continues, councillors hope this temporary measure will be a step toward securing Waterford’s place on the national aviation map — not just a patch over a widening hole.

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