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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Waterford Airport | FILE PHOTO
The board of Waterford Airport has welcomed comments from the Minister for Transport that he is in favour of the development and expansion of Waterford Airport in principle.
However, speaking during a visit to Waterford at the weekend, Eamon Ryan said what has been presented "is not a business case" for the development or expansion of the airport.
The former Green Party Leader described the proposal as "an outline document" which he said raises "a lot of questions" as to the viability of the project.
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Speaking to WLR on Monday, he added that a "more robust case" must be presented if any expansion is to be progressed and approved by government.
"We do need to get things right. We have to make sure that if a project goes out, if you're giving public land across, if you're giving public money - you do have to make sure that the public benefits and that it is a viable and realistic project that does good for the region rather than end up not delivering and disappointing people."
In a statement, issued this Tuesday afternoon, the board of Waterford Airport confirmed that it welcomes the minister's comments that he is in favour of the development of Waterford Airport in principle.
However, responding to elements of what Minister Ryan said, the statement added: "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 (of State) 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 statement concludes: "The board welcomes all discussions with the Government and Department and look forward to any further discussions."
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