Waterford Airport needs diggers on the ground now

It's the intention of local councillors and the executive of Waterford City and County Council to keep the pressure on Government regarding decisions on Waterford Airport. 

At the July Plenary Council meeting, Cllr Mary Roche asked if there was any update from the Government considering the recent approval of other major national projects, despite the change of Ministers: "I know it's at a critical time now. I noticed when the Minister for Transport announced his resignation suddenly the road between Cork and Limerick got the go-ahead, so I'm just wondering, is there a possibility that the airport might get the go-ahead in light of that?" asked Cllr Roche. 

Acting CEO for Waterford City and County Council, Ivan Grimes, responded to Cllr Roche's question and told the members, "there is no update on the airport, is the short answer." 

Cllr Roche then asked Mr Grimes if it would be possible for him to follow up with the Airport Board. 

Despite the Interim Chief not being a member of the board of management for Waterford Airport, Mr Grimes said he would still follow up with them. 

As the councillors discussed other business, Cllr Jim Griffin (a former board member of Waterford Airport) supported Cllr Roche's request that Mr Grimes writes to the Chairperson of the Board and the Minister of Transport to "ask them if we could have real urgency on this". 

"I know we have two board members here today, but if we don't have diggers on the ground before this autumn..." 

"I agree with you," said Mayor Jason Murphy to Cllr Griffin, adding that "Mr Grimes has said he'd contact the board and I've no problem supporting that as well."

As previously reported by the Waterford News & Star, the Department of Transport has confirmed the Airport's business plan is being reviewed having received the relevant information two months ago.