Waterford Airport looks set to be back in business after a six year hiatus thanks to a €20 million bail out by billionaire brothers from Galway.
Luke and Brian Comer have reportedly agreed a €20m deal to buy a majority stake in the airport which will see scheduled commercial flights taking off from Waterford once again.
It is understood that Waterford Airport has already initiated project work for a new runway extension as it seeks to restart scheduled commercial services.
However, the Executive of Waterford City and County Council have tempered the news by saying legal agreements were being drawn up but had not been executed. In a statement issued last Thursday, the Executive confirmed that discussions were ongoing with potential investors at Waterford Airport and legal agreements were being drawn up but had not been executed.
“Any investment proposal will be subject to Government support towards capital expenditure and subject to the approval of Waterford City and County Council and the shareholders of the company (Waterford Airport),” they concluded.
Meanwhile Independent TD Matt Shanahan welcomed the news and said it could prove to be the unlocking of South East region aviation development. “My understanding is there are still a number of steps to be concluded before a final investment position is agreed but the news is very positive and signals the increased attractiveness of Waterford as a future investment opportunity,” he said.
Former member of the board of Waterford Airport, Fine Gael Senator John Cummins cautiously welcomed the reports that Luke and Brian Comer were investing in Waterford Airport.
“The Irish Independent have reported that Galway born investors, the Comer Brothers are closing in on a deal to purchase a majority stake in Waterford Airport,” Senator Cummins said.
“I have been continuously briefed on the efforts to secure investors for the development of Waterford Airport and I want to compliment William Bolster, the board and management for bringing things to the point where we have investors of significant standing at the table.”
The Government has pledged €5m towards the runway extension bill, while the three local authority co-owners – Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford Councils – have agreed to stump up €2m.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional are believed to be in discussions to provide services from the airport.
It’s believed that developing a hotel and warehouses are also part of the unconfirmed plans – which could see the airport become an air freight support hub as well as expanding existing industries in the local area.
Majority shareholder in Waterford Airport, Mr. William Bolster is set to retain a significant share in the base and will be involved in the development efforts.
Senator Cummins added: “Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed but it is great to have the Comer Brothers in active negotiation to purchase a majority shareholding, their portfolio and expertise speaks for itself and obviously they see the potential of an expanded Waterford Airport”.
He said he believed the potential of Waterford Airport cannot be overstated. “It has the ability to act as a catalyst for growth across Waterford and the entire South East region. The airport has been restricted in terms of its ability to attract airlines and routes given the limited types of aircraft that can operate from the airport. The lengthening and widening of the runway naturally opens up many more possibilities”.
“We all know about the significant delays that occurred with getting these plans approved by An Bord Plenala and the impact the global pandemic had on the aviation industry. However, now that we are emerging out the other side, the time is ripe to progress these investment plans,” he concluded.
Meanwhile local councillor Eamon Quinlan (FF) said investment like the one reported sends out a powerful signal of confidence that those who know how to make money, see a strong economic future for Waterford and the region.
“Waterford Council, Kilkenny Council, Wexford Council, The State, the current shareholders and above all the people of Waterford have fought long and hard on this one. This news is a vindication in self belief that shows us we should always reach for the skies when it comes to a better future,” he concluded.
AuthorJustine Dwyer The Munster Express justine@munster-express.ie First for News
This strikes me as throwing good money after bad since there is already an airport in Cork with excellent services to the UK and Europe. If Waterford Airport had been built north of the river to properly serve Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford then there might have been some point to it but located where it is with a catchment area of Waterford and Tramore I can’t really see any use for it other than as a base for the invaluable helicopter rescue service.
It would be an amazing addition to waterford and surrounding counties you must be a cork man with your negative begrudgingl comments
Great News news for the south east along with the South East University development, this will make a big difference to the region, looking forward to flying out of Waterford once again.
Having been a visitor all my life to Waterford/Co.Kilkenny and an avid regular user of the airport when it was open, I am so very pleased at the proposed news that it will (hopefully) re-open in the very near future. I, for one will definitely return more often, as currently coming from the UK seems to take forever by ferry.
The opening can only be a good thing for the South East and a way of bringing in more tourists to what is such a wonderful city with so much to offer.
Remember that’s where Ryanair got its start with a flight from Gatwick to Waterford in the mid-’80s. It gave me an easy connection from Dallas-Ft.Worth DFW via Gatwick
I flu to Waterford air port a couple of years
ago from Stanstead Airport with regional aire lines is that air line still operating now or has it been made redundant all together now