Department of Transport made aware of alternative Waterford Airport proposal in August
Waterford Regional Airport, Entrance to the Terminal Building. Photo Patrick Browne Jnr
The Department of Transport was made aware of the new proposal to privately fund the runway extension of Waterford Airport in August.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport told the Waterford News and Star: “The Chair of Waterford Airport advised the Department in August that an alternative investment proposal that did not involve State funding was being considered by the Airport.
“The Department has not been notified of any further development in this regard.
“Any such proposal of this nature would be a matter for the shareholders of the Airport, which include local authorities (Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford), to consider,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the Programme for Government commits to working with stakeholders to progress the project.
But if the proposal does not involve Exchequer funding, it would no longer be a matter for the department.
The Department of Transport had said during the summer it would consider a preliminary business case from the airport in line with the infrastructure funding guidelines.
Waterford Airport is owned by Waterford Airport PLC, and the spokesperson said it is up to the shareholders to make a decision.
