Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley has welcomed the announcement of €5 million in funding for the lengthening and widening of Waterford Airport’s runway, saying it is “a great day for Waterford and the wider region”.
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“Waterford Chamber has long championed the development of Waterford Airport on behalf of our members and to see it finally come to fruition gives great hope for the future development of Waterford and the wider region. “It is also encouraging to see the collaboration between public and private enterprises to ensure a timely delivery, which is a first in regional aviation in Ireland. We have worked closely with Conor McCarthy of Leadcom Ltd through our Regional Leaders Programme and his successes speak for themselves. With him at the helm, along with the experience of Noel Frisby of Frisby Construction, and the influence of our leading industries like Dawn Meats, EirGen Pharma, Red Hat and all those we have engaged with to lobby for the Airport, it will certainly contribute significantly to the economic life of the region.
“At a recent meeting with An Taoiseach, we detailed the urgency in securing funding for Waterford Airport, stating Waterford has some of the top companies in the world but accessibility is a major issue for international executives. We also reiterated that there were private investors waiting to move on developing the airport and that the funding from Government is the final piece of the puzzle, to which the Taoiseach responded: “If private investors and County Councils are willing to risk their money, the government will not be found wanting”.
“The work/life balance on offer in Waterford is our strongest selling point and now with accessibility and a strong focus on the tourism sector, the Airport is an integral cog in the wheel of promoting Waterford as a great destination to live, work, invest in and do business.”The investment will secure the future of Waterford Airport and allow it to compete for international carriers using jet engine aircraft. The runway, when extended from its existing length of 1,433 metres to 2,280 metres, will be able to accommodate large commercial passenger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s.
The remaining €7 million euro for the project will be met by regional private investment and local authorities in Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford, who have committed funding of €5 million and €2 million respectively in return for an equity shareholding in Waterford Airport, subject to the approval of the existing shareholders at their upcoming EGM.