Waterford Airport has responded to Minister Eamon Ryan’s remarks about the airport’s development on local radio and said their proposal emphasised the need for balanced infrastructure investment across regions.
The airport board clarified that they have consistently responded to requests from the Department and provided a comprehensive document to Minister Lawless detailing the business case, passenger numbers, and funding needs during a meeting on October 24.
The board addressed Minister Lawless’s suggestion regarding Turbo Prop aircraft, stating that they have 30 years of experience in this area and proving it is not a viable option for the airport.
Mister Ryan criticised the proposal for Waterford Airport’s reopening as hat what had been presented to him was not a business case for re-opening the facility, but “an outline document” that “raises a lot of questions as to the viability of the project,” and questioned its viability and highlighting an increase in state funding needs from €5 million to €12 million.
Recent investment proposals for runway extension and development have gained local authority and private investor support, with an anticipated economic benefit of €850 million per year for the southeast once operational.
Minister Ryan told WLR: “There’s been a very significant increase in the ask of the State,” Minister Ryan told WLR. “
It was originally a €5 million investment for the State just in the security and safety measures. “The airport instead is looking for, effectively, a cash injection of €12 million, almost two and a half times that. There are a number of other issues around what would be needed in a business case. There’s very significant land transfers.”
A written statement from Waterford airport shared: Waterford Airport welcomes Minister Eamon Ryan’s comments that he is in favour of the development of Waterford Airport in principle, with better balance needed in the regions for infrastructure investment. We would however wish to clarify some of the comments from Minister Ryan on Monday the fourth. The board has at all times answered any requests from the Department in a timely manner. In addition, a comprehensive document was presented to Minister Lawless on the date of the board representatives meeting with him and his Department officials on the 24th of October, this document answered the business case position, passenger numbers, need for increase in funding, and security around land holding and the Aviation use of same. A further information clarification was given last Friday the 1st of November on Minister Lawless’ s Turbo Prop (propeller aircraft) suggestion which Waterford has 30 years’ experience in, proving that this suggestion is not a viable option. The board welcomes all discussions with the Government and Department and look forward to any further discussions.
