Independent Councillor Donal Barry has asked the Council to complete a feasibility study on a potential Airshow in Tramore.
Cllr. Barry argues the extension of the runway at Waterford Airport will make the greatly increase the kind of aircraft the area can facilitate, Cllr. Barry makes the point that Tramore offers possibly a better location than the Bray Seafront which plays host to the Bray Airshow.
The Bray Airshow is reported to have attracted 40,000 people in 2025, which is said to have added €3.5 million to the local economy.
Addressing the Council Executive during the January meeting for the Metropolitan Area, Cllr. Barry, said “I respectfully request that the Council engage with Fáilte Ireland to initiate a feasibility study into the potential for hosting an annual air display over Tramore Bay and Air Show at Waterford Airport.
“…[the airport development] presents a timely and strategic opportunity to consider a high-profile, nationally significant event that could materially strengthen the tourism offering of Tramore and the wider South East.
“Each year, large numbers of residents from this region travel to Bray to attend the annual air display. Tramore Bay offers a comparable, and arguably superior, natural amphitheatre, with excellent viewing opportunities along the Promenade, Doneraile, and extending as far as the Guillamene.
“This distinctive coastal setting has the potential to accommodate a safe, visually compelling, and economically impactful event.”
“…An annual air display could become a valuable addition to Tramore’s tourism portfolio, with the potential to drive visitor numbers while delivering tangible benefits to local businesses and the wider community.
In response, the Acting Director of Services, Clare Hartley, acknowledged that it was a new idea and committed to talking to Failte Ireland. “…it may be something they fly with,” she said.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
