They’ve kicked the can for years and now demand a procurement plan under new rules because of price increases caused by their delay

'It’s frustrating and it's annoying… the length of time it takes to wait to deliver big infrastructural projects'

The councillor caveated his objection by saying the proposal would “obviously” pass and that he wished the airport “all the very best.” 

This was a waste of an opportunity to show them that the Government is behind them and that Waterford can take its rightful place alongside Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick

"We will no longer be pouring hundreds of thousands of euros to keep the lights on"

“I believe the operation of an airport needs private investment. The local authority should not be in the business of running airports"

Despite their reservations, most councillors did agree that this was good day for Waterford

Councillors voted in favour of the proposal, which will see the runway extended and widened to international standards. 

Chief Chief Executive Officer Sean McKeown told councillors at the meeting that there has been a "positive discussion" with one airline but their interest would be subject to the airport being up and running. 

"I am confident this €30 million investment will lead to a return of commercial air services to Waterford"

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú called for the central and local government to do their part for the airport

Councillor Declan Barry is urging his council colleagues to vote in support of the proposal on Monday

This suggests we may never know the name of the airport’s guardian angel

No vote will be held until October 20 but the Waterford News and Star understands the meeting was positive

But he said he respects the process in place and said councillors should be given the space to make a decision

Conor McGuinness said that as the full details of the proposal have not yet been released to the public, it would be “premature” to give a full comment

A spokesperson said that if the proposal does not involve state funding it is not a matter for the department

The Bolster Group announced this morning that they secured the package to bring commercial flights back to Waterford 

The privately funded proposal is backed by Bolster Group as the airport is looking to bring back international flights.

The Bolster Group has issued a statement saying the council are to consider the proposal

The TDs submitted a Topical Issue motion for later in the week

The project was effectively back at square one in terms of applying for government funding

The DC3 aircraft was built in 1943, at the Doulgas Factory in Long Beach, California

Separately, the Minister for Transport has assured a Waterford TD that the runway extension is a priority

From a series of Parliamentary Questions submitted by Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, a circle is emerging

Around 80 people gathered at John Robert's Square to demand funding for the runway extension project

It was revealed in recent weeks that the Department of Transport have sought a new 'business case' for the proposed runway extension at the airport

A timeline has been provided by the Minister for Transport in response to Parliamentary Questions submitted by Deputy David Cullinane

Social advocate Matt Shanahan took aim at Waterford's Sinn Féin TDS and suggested the Government representatives were "hamstrung"

The protest is to take place on Friday in John Robert's Square

Waterford City and County Council voted last week to provide funding of up to €450,000 towards Waterford Airport for operational costs, whilst the Board awaits a decision from Government in relation to an extension of the airport's runway.

The plane was a 15-seat Brazilian-made Bandeirante aircraft with bookings in the first week exceeding the expected level by 40 per cent

The days of accepting doled-out crumbs are over... hopefully M/s Cummins and Butler appreciate that

The flight took off from Waterford Airport bound for London Gatwick on Monday, July 8th, 1985.

Those of a certain vintage will recall the series Get Smart, and its lead protagonist, Maxwell Smart's, entrance at the start of each episode. He had to pass through multiple high-protection steel doors.

We asked locals this week what they believe are Waterford's chances of getting a runway extension

In the words beloved of those kicking the can, we will have another review!

Minister of State John Cummins has said he will hold the Minister for Transport to account on Waterford Airport.

This Wednesday, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien will be meeting with a number of stakeholders to discuss the future of Waterford Airport.

"Why not turn Waterford Airport into a hub to research, test and develop next generation aviation fuels so that we can lead a greening of the aviation industry"

'For industry, for tourism, for everything, it’s essential that we have that airport up and running properly'

Captain Mark Casey, AFTA Founder, CEO and Head of Training, said this week that AFTA's relationship with Cork and Waterford Airports 'has never wavered'

The issue of Waterford Airport was once again a pertinent one at a recent plenary meeting of Waterford Council.